Description:
Chiang Mai is well-known for its ancient architecture and cultural diversity. Focusing on some of the political history of the past century, anthropologist Jane M. Ferguson will discuss the historical background of the ethnic Shan, their historical relationships with both Shan States in present-day Myanmar as well as Northern Thai Lanna kingdoms and later struggles over ethnic identities and national belonging. In considering these Shan ethnic histories, culture, and politics, Ferguson will explore questions of nationhood in modern Southeast Asia
Schedule for Day Excursion:
- 9.00 a.m. Attend a presentation by: Dr. Jane M. Ferguson at Lifelong Learning Payap Center until 10.30
- 10.45 a.m. Leave from Lifelong Learning Payap Center for Wat Pa Pao.
- 11.00 a.m. Arrive at Wat Papao. This temple was built in 1891. Learn about the architecture and structure of Shan temples, and the differences between Shan and Thai temples. This temple is the venue for the mourning ceremony of Inge Eberhard, the last Mahadevi of Hsipaw, of the Shan State. After that continue to Wat Kutao with its unique pagoda. Visitors will be amazed by one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in royal dress. This Buddha has been given the name Paralakeang.
- 12.45 p.m. Lunch at Ruen Mai Thai Yai Restaurant.
- 14.00 p.m. After lunch visit Wat Ku Man, this site is a temple and also a Center of Tai people to get together for many events. Participants will have a chance to talk with monks and know more about their routines and way of life. They can also observe novices, monks, and Tai people working on metal carvings for the temple decorations.
- 16.30 p.m. Return to Lifelong Learning Payap Center
About the Presenter:
Jane M Ferguson is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Southeast Asian History at the Australian National University. She completed her PhD thesis in Anthropology at Cornell University. Fluent in Thai, Burmese, and Shan languages, Ferguson has extensive research experience in northern Thailand and Myanmar on issues of ethnicity, histories, and popular culture. In addition to having numerous articles and editing the Journal of Burma Studies, she is the author of two books: Repossessing Shanland: Myanmar, Thailand, and a Nation-State Deferred and Silver Screens and Golden Dreams: A Social History of Burmese Cinema.
COST: 2,000 THB
(Must be paid by May 31st. Cost includes transportation, lunch, admission fees, temple donation, drinking water and insurance. Please provide a copy of your passport front page at the time of payment for insurance purposes.)
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