July 1-3, 2021 – Khon Kaen University by the Cultural Center, the Ministry of Culture, Khon Kaen Cultural Office and Central Plaza Shopping Center organize an exhibition on “Heritage of Wisdom and Tourism Route of the Northeast Pre-historic Period”. Dr. Somsal Jungtrakoon, Khon Kaen Governor presided over the opening ceremony, which was joined by Miss Laddawan Seepachai, Acting Director of Khon Kaen University’s Cultural Center; Ajarn Apinya Asarat, Acting Deputy Director of the Cultural Center; Mrs. Pornpimon Khongtrakoon, Khon Kaen Cultural Chief Officer; and honorable guests. The exhibition is held on the Promotion Hall, Floor G, Central Plaza, Khon Kaen.
The exhibition on “Heritage of Wisdom and Tourism Route of the Northeast Pre-historic Period” is organized under the collaboration of Khon Kaen University, the Ministry of Culture, Khon Kaen Cultural Office and Central Plaza Shopping Center, aiming to develop creative products at a regional level and promote entrepreneurs in Khon Kaen, Udonthani, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum and Nong Bualamphu to produce cultural products.
Mrs. Pornpimon Khongtrakoon, Khon Kaen Cultural Chief Officer said that the exhibition on the heritage of wisdom and tourism route of the Northeast pre-historic period has as its objective to develop and upgrade products derived from the pre-historic culture. The Ministry of Culture had assigned Khon Kaen province and the network, Khon Kaen University, in particular, to take responsibilities in developing and extending the prehistoric designed products. The 5 provinces involved are Khon Kaen, Udonthani, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum and Nong Bualamphu. Prior to this exhibition, there has been training that promoted the production of products of each province that emphasize their local identities as well as compile the pre-historic knowledge and incorporate it as the database to develop the products of the 5 provinces. This exhibition publicizes the products among the public, who will see the interesting stories of each area. The event is also aimed at raising incomes, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic situation.
Ajarn Apinya Asarat, Acting Deputy Director of the Cultural Center of Khon Kaen University, who is the designer of the products shown at the exhibition explained that this exhibition is on the art and creative products that can be extended on a commercial scale. The concept used in the design of the products is associated with the identities of Khon Kaen province and Khon Kaen University, and is especially related to dinosaurs and the pre-historic culture of Khon Kaen. These can be seen in the patterns on the fabric, products, logos, packaging of salt, salted eggs, mats that bear dinosaur patterns.
Ajarn Patcharin Sangkhaw, a PhD student of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Art, Khon Kaen University said that this exhibition is a good chance for people to present the products that reflect the identities in pre-historic time of Isan, especially the designs that involve winding and tying techniques that are derived from utensils Isan people used. These outstanding aspects have been put in the designs of the attires shown. The products also are in line with the patterns given by the Royal Family that Khon Kaen entrepreneurs used in manufacturing, which well reflect Isan identities.
News by Natthawut Charuwong
