The Style of Trit Headdresses on Human - shaped sculptures from the Noen Thang Phra Archaeological Site in Sam Chuk District, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

               In 1979, the Noen Thang Phra archaeological site was excavated, revealing a number of figurative sculptures of individuals wearing headdresses called Trit. These sculptures have been partially studied, but comprehensive research is still lacking. This study focuses on the stylistic features of the   plaster sculptures of individuals with Trit headdresses from the Noen Thang Phra site, comparing them with similar artworks from the Pala period (India), Angkor Bayon art (Cambodia), Khmer art in Thailand during the Bayon period, Pagan art, and Hariphunchai art. The findings indicate that the unique characteristics of Trit headdresses from Noen Thang Phra include a frontal crown with a single straight line, decoration with four - petaled flowers or  other motifs, fish - scale patterns above the crown, and the presence of seven or more triangular decorative plates. These plates are arranged symmetrically, with the central plate being the largest and angled toward the center. The plates decrease in height progressively, and their interiors are decorated with overlapping triangular patterns, while circular motifs adorn the lower parts of the plates. These stylistic features show influence from the Cambodian Bayon art. However, distinct differences from Bayon art include a single four - petaled flower at the center of the crown and the absence of no fewer than seven triangular decorative plates.