A Study of Ceiling Motif Patterns Symbolic Significance in Thai-Mon Temples: A Case Study of Ubosathes in the Mon Pak Kret of Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

This study aims to examine the patterns of ceiling star motifs based on symbolic beliefs in Mon temples, as observed in the architectural structures of Ubosathes. It analyzed the art forms of ceiling star patterns and their evolution in Thai-Mon Ubosathes architecture within the Mon community of Pak Kret, Nonthaburi Province. Moreover, this study sought to examine, consolidate, and analyzed the findings in order to provide a foundation for future studies and design principles for ceiling star motifs. The data were collected and analyzed in two main areas: 1) a review of previous relevant research studies and 2) a fieldwork survey of 46 sites, which aligned. However, the present findings indicated that one temple had been permanently closed and four other temples had been expropriated by the Royal Irrigation Department. This resulted in a reduced number of studied temples to 41 temples. The research instruments and procedure consisted of five main steps: 1) examining the symbolic beliefs associated with ceiling star motifs, 2) investigating the cultural relationship between Thai and Mon traditions on the architectural of patterns, 3) exploring the artistic application of ceiling star motifs in Ubosathes, 4) analyzed the patterns of ceiling star motifs, and 5) summarizing the research findings and providing recommendations. In this study, insights were also gained from documentary research, knowledge transmission from local experts, and fieldwork data collection to ensure a comprehensive data analyzed. The main research findings revealed the symbolic significance of ceiling star motifs. The findings provided a historical overview of their transformation. They suggested the artistic value of these motifs so as to serve as a foundation for the preservation and continuation of the design traditions of Thai-Mon Ubosathes ceiling motifs for future generations.