Function of Por Ta shrine at the Ban Chiaw Sai community in the province of Suratthani

Abstract

This article aims at examining functions of Pho Ta shrine in Ban Chiao Sai Community, Tambon Khlong Cha-un, Amphoe Phanom, Surat Thani Province. It is revealed from the study that Pho Ta shrine worshipping ceremony of Ban Chiao Sai Community, where most inhabitants live by rubber cultivation, eminently present the villagers’ collective identity by showing their gratitude toward Pho Ta, the guardian spirit of rubber plantation who also looks after the people, once a year. Following their ascendants, the shrines are built by reusable materials like wood chips or rubber tanks. Four functions of Pho Ta Shrine: 1) to release people’s tension 2) to reinforce social orders 3) to impart local belief and ritual 4) to preserve the community’s identity, are found, as well.