The Identity of Sukhothai Sculptures

Abstract

Sukhothai is an important primordial kingdom binding in traditions and beliefs of Thai people in various dimensions, since the early of Thai first state or the inhabitants who use Thai language that established in Thai territory in the present day. The concepts and theories as well as beliefs in regard to the settlement of primitive people of Thailand that had lived in the south of China. Then, they began immigrating to the South to found a city and developed into the Thai state around 16-17 BE and Sukhothai is a first state that happens to be flourished  during 18-21 BE as well as the history of the region are also associated with the Thai history respectively till its became Siam at present. This region is still an ideal state for Thai people to devote much attention and study.

Traditional Sukhothai arts is an interesting one because it primarily encompasses a variety of religions including Brahmanism     or Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism which influenced indigenously from the Khmer empire through Lopburi and Theravada or Hinayana Buddhism, especially the Theravada Buddhism (Sri-Lanka doctrine). As a result, Sukhothai became the center of Lanka Buddhism in this region which inspired Sukhothai to have its own cultural attribution and making particular style that are distinctive to a unique Sukhothai.