THE CULTURE SURVEILLANCE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF THE TRADITIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CRAFTSMAN IN CHIANG RAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to study the cultural surveillance for the existence of the traditional musical instrument craftsmen in Chiang Rai Province. The objectives were to explore and collect data for the traditional musical instrument craftsmen in Chiang Rai province, study the production and distribution of traditional music instruments, and analysis of the existence of the traditional musical instrument craftsmen in Chiang Rai Province. This is a proactive cultural surveillance that consists of storing cultural knowledge and analyzing problem states using qualitative research methodology according to the Ethnomusicology guidelines. The research results found that the traditional musical instrument craftsmen in Chiang Rai Province consists of the group of Salga Fiddle Stringed instrument craftsman, the group of drum craftsman and the group of Pi Jum instrument craftsman. The production of musical instrument is handmade. Most of materials are wood, which is obtainable in local areas or nearby provinces. A craftsman generally makes musical instruments without any assistance when ordered or making for himself. The current situation found that the traditional musical instrument craftsmen are experienced and specialize in making traditional musical instruments. They also play a role in providing musical knowledge for the youth and the general public. However, most of them are the elderly and lack successors. In terms of sales, there is no supporting markets and not yet well-known. Nevertheless, there is a good opportunity to do public relations and promote the traditional musical instrument craftsmen in Chiang Rai Province as there are many cultural activities regularly happened and many meeting events of the traditional musicians in both the provincial level and northern group.