Puang Ma Hoat: The Coexistence of Paper Cutting Art across the Regions of Thailand

Abstract

Puang Ma Hoat has a variety of names throughout the regions of Thailand, but the shape, the cutting method and usage are similar. Puang Ma Hoat is scattered in every region of Thailand, that is, can be found in the eastern, central, and northern regions. In each region, it is considered to be a precious handicraft and long- standing local wisdom. The study found that the name “Puang Ma Hoat” is still used in some upper central provinces, especially in Sukhothai and Phitsanulok. The eastern and lower central regions among the Thai Phuan lineage group, called it “Puang Tao Rang” or “Puang Tao Raang” (longer tone). While the northern region mainly calls it “Tung Sai Muu”. Some provinces in the northern region call it differently, such as “Tung Phya Yor” and “Tung Sai Chang”. However, it is widely understood that these are referred to the same things. In terms of the application of Puang Ma Hoat, it appears that the northern region continues to retain its original traditions to use this paper cutting in the Songkran tradition, embroidery of sand pagoda and in inauspicious events using white and black. While other regions tend to use it widely throughout the year especially as an ornament for home and temple decoration, using Puang Ma Hoat made from brightly colored paper at festivals and for decoration at other fun and festive locations. It is also found that there are innovative versions of  Puang Ma Hoat in the central and eastern regions that has gone beyond the traditional use in response to the creative tourism policy. People have developed and amended the way to create it by using printed cotton and organza fabric instead of paper. The local community in the eastern region has made it into a popular souvenir by adding new functions into Puang Ma Hoat. Instead of being the hanging item or used only at certain ceremonies, it is now becoming a hanging lamp shade, or a hanging mobile with an add-on aromatherapy sachet. In some provinces in the northern region, it is found in the mini size (5 inches) of Puang Ma Hoat, produced as a souvenir to decorate the vase offered to the Buddha. These are the creative attempts from different communities to promote and make Puang Ma Hoat a widely well-known folk art across the regions of Thailand. Compared to the north region, Puang Ma Hoat is only used during the Thai Traditional New Year, ordination ceremony and funeral decorations.