This thesis has three aims: 1) to study the history and the type of sandstone sculpture 2) to study the concept of establishing the Wiang Phayao museum (Wat Lee), and 3) to study the conservation process of Wiang Phayao museum (Wat Lee). The study bases its main emphasis on documents and interview information from scholars.
The findings indicated that firstly, the art works of sandstone sculpture from the wisdom of the Phayao artisans gave a rise of the prominent Phayao craftsmen. Since Wiang Phayao is rich with sandstone, the lots of ancient Buddha sculpture aged 20th –21st century (B.E.) carved from sandstones show the strong faith of artisans and supporters.
Secondly, an idea to establish Wat Lee museum is initiated from personal collection work stated by Venerable Phrakhru Anurakburanan who saw deserted religious sandstone sculptures scattered and destroyed by people. He began collecting all these ancient objects and later Mr, Thanaseth Asvanuwat, the Phayao governor had an idea to raise fund to establish Wiang Phayao museum to preserve these ancient artworks.
Thirdly, the collection work at first has been done to preserve them from being stolen and deserted, and when official budget both from the government and private sector has been given to Wat Lee, the appropriate and correct process of preservation are carried out. Besides, the exhibition is also set up for those who are interested together with guide training course for Wat Lee devotees. The participatory way of people and temple committee in taking caring of the museum leads people to love and care the ancient heritage in order to preserve them and hand them to the next generation. |