Chi Valley Civilization: History, Culture and Wisdom in Isan Communities

Abstract

The objectives of this research are; 1) to study the history and culture of the Chi River region in the Isan community, 2) to study the wisdom and sources of the Chi River region civilization in the Isan community, 3) to propose guidelines for maintaining and inheriting the Chi River region civilization in the Isan community. It is mixed methods research. By doing documentary research Conducted interviews and group discussions with 42 key informants and carried out activities in research areas in the Chi River region civilization in Khon Kaen and Sarakham provinces. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive methods.
The research results were as follows:
1. History and culture of the Chi River region in the Isan community. It was found that the Isan community has a history of settlement since prehistoric times. Historical periods, the Dvaravati period, the Lopburi period, and the Lan Chang period, continuing until the present. The ancestors of the Isaan people created many cultural traditions, such as language culture, the international Silk Festival and Siao Tradition, Isan Songkran tradition, Dok Khun Siang Khaen Festival and worship of Phra That Na Dun.
2. Wisdom and sources of civilization in the Chi River region in Isan communities Isaan wisdom includes food wisdom. Medicine and herbs clay pot making and weaving Mudmee silk for civilization sites in Khon Kaen Province, such as the civilization sites of Wat Chai Si, Ban Sawathi, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, and the civilization sites of Maha Sarakham Province, such as the civilization sites of Wat Pa Lelai, Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province which found evidence these are stone inscriptions, Sema leaves, Buddhist art, antiques. Hooptaem or mural.
3. There are 6 guidelines for maintaining and inheriting the Chi River Basin civilization in Isan communities: 1) creating a local wisdom museum, 2) creating creative art, 3) creating creative tourist attractions, 4) creating community enterprises, 5) creating a network of wisdom and culture, 6) Create community development activities that are consistent with wisdom and culture.