Mathapru: A Song in the Funeral Ritual of the Karen-Sakor

Abstract

          This research article is part of the thesis of the Performing Arts Program, Department of Thai Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, 2024, titled Mathapru: A Song in the Funeral Ritual of the Karen-Sakor, Ban Huai Rai, Lamphun Province. The purpose of this study is to analyze the movement, melody, and meaning of the lyrics in the Mathapru song related to the funeral ritual, and to analyze the significance of the Mathapru song in the social and cultural context of the Karen-Sakor community, Ban Huai Rai, Ta khian Pom, Thung Hua Chang, Lamphun Province.

This research employed qualitative research methodology by using documentary and field data, focusing mainly on field data and using informal interviews and non-participant observation to study the Mathapru song through statements and demonstrations from primary data sources, namely Ms. Pud Norpuche, and secondary data sources, Ms. Nongkran Thaimai, Ms. Natchaya Thisom, and Ms. Sitanan Talana. Ethnographic recordings (Field Note) and audio recordings were used to prevent missing data from the interviews and to collect samples of Mathapru singing in funeral ceremonies of the Karen-Sakor in Ban Huai Rai, Ta khian Pom, Thung Hua Chang, Lamphun Province.

The research found that the movement of the melody in the Mathapru song has a rapid upward and downward movement, which is a result of the melody and tone in the Karen-Sakor language. In addition, it was found that the Mathapru song has a meaning related to courtship more than a meaning related to rituals. Therefore, the Mathapru song has a social context in terms of sending off spirits and courtship. Currently, the Mathapru song has been replaced by rituals of other religions, including social developments, technology, or values ​​that change with the times. The context of courtship in rituals and the use of the Mathapru song have decreased according to the changes. The Mathapru song is therefore at risk of disappearing with the modern era.