Before the Amulet Concepts and Devices in Old Siam
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Abstract
The practice of wearing buddha amulets has evolved significantly over the past century, with a notable surge in the last two decades. However, the concepts and methods behind these amulets trace back to the Ayutthaya and early Bangkok eras, as documented in literature, laws, and foreign accounts. To combat natural dangers, sciences were developed to predict and influence natural forces through words, numbers, natural substances, and constructed devices. Among these, yantras were especially versatile. Buddha amulets gained prominence first in the mid-19th century among elites, and later in the late 20th century as mass-produced items yet they remain deeply connected to their historical roots.
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