Lizard : Symbolic of Power

Abstract

Lizard is a power symbol. The study aimed at analyzing the power relationship between the lizard and Kui people who live in Ban Thum, Truem Sub-district, Sikhoraphum District, Surin province. Roland Barthes theory was used as data analysis framework. Data were obtained from documents and in-depth interviews. It was found under the semantics meaning, lizard is a reptile that lives in the base of a large tamarind tree in the middle of Ban Thum village. However, lizard is not a normal reptile but were made to
represent an ancestral spirit that Kui people of Ban Thum village believe. Therefore, lizard are respected by the Kui people. Mythological meaning describes lizard as able to inspire happiness, suffering, and also call the rain. Accordingly, lizards have had impacted on life of Kui people as well as act a symbol of holiness.