Department of Anthropology Colloquium
4:10 p.m., Thursday, March 22
College Hall 125
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Visions of Impermanence: Prasat Nok Hatsadiling and the Path to Heaven in Northern Thailand
Dr. Rebecca Hall, Art Historian, UCLA
In Northern Thailand, elaborate cremation structures, called prasat sop, are built to honor high ranking monks. These structures are elaborate, beautiful objects created for display during a funeral and then completely destroyed in the cremation fire. Because it is the final event for a high status and inspiring member of society, a monk’s funeral brings attention to the essence of Buddhist perfection, idealized visions of a heavenly afterlife, and the core Buddhist teaching of impermanence. The cremation structures give form to these themes while simultaneously treating funeral attendees to a visually splendid treat. A great deal of time and money is often taken to create prasat sop, attesting to their importance for Northern Thai Buddhists. This presentation is an examination of monks’ cremation structures and a discussion of the connection between their form and meaning.
All are welcome to attend!
