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The Roi-Et National Museum An Information Center for Cultural Heritage
and Local History
Roi-Et
Province , located in Northeast Thailand on the Khorat Plateau,
is bordered by the provinces of Kalasin, Mukdaharn, Surin, Sisaket,
Yasothorn and Mahasarakam. The town of Roi-Et is situated near the
Chi River with the picturesque phlan Chai Lake in the center.
The provinces
of the northeast are known collectively as isaan. The
region has a long history of civilization beginning with the 2000-year-old
bronze culture of Ban Chiang. Archaeological research reveals its
development was influenced by the Dvaravati culture from the central
region, the Lopburi or old Khmer culture, Lanna culture from the north
and the Ayutthaya and Ratanakosin (Bangkok) cultures from the south.
Many restored or excavated sites of historical and archaeological
significance along with historical records reflect its interesting
past.
Known as the
"diamond of Isaan", Roi-Et Province is famous for : the
tradition of the "bun phawed" ceremony or the reciting the
Vessantara JataKa at Buddhist temples during the fourth month of the
year ; superb silk fabrics, khid textiles and mudmi or ikat cotton
fabrics ; the 67.8 metres high standing Buddha statue at Wat Burapha
; as well as, the production of the high quality fragrant rice called
"khoa hom mali" which is prized by the local and foreign
markets alike.
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In
1993 , the Fine Arts Department set a policy of establishing
provincial museums in Thailand. Under the direction of Dr. Goh Swasdipanich,
the Roi-Et National Museum was built as the Isaan Textile Museum.
The daily life in Roi-Et is influenced by a conservative population
with strong Buddhist traditions. The simple way of life in this mostly
rural province is reflected in its arts and crafts, especially in
the weaving of textiles. The museum also includes exhibits on the
geography, geology and archaeology of the area. The history is explained
wih model scenes of historical events. Collections of the local art
and handicrafts are displayed and the daily life of the people of
Roi-Et is explored.
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