2024/06/10
Wat Ban Don Shadow Puppet MuseumIt is a place that preserves the heritage of Nang Yai shadow puppet performance and conserves shadow puppets over 200 years old for learning. Wat Ban Don Shadow Puppet Museum is one of only three remaining in Thailand.
Nang Yai at Wat Ban Don has existed since 1888 (B.E. 2431). The first governor of Rayong province recognized that the culture of Nang Yai performance was worth preserving and passing on. He therefore ordered 200 shadow puppets from Phatthalung province, transported them across the Gulf of Thailand by boat, and hired a master puppeteer to assist in training and teaching the performance to his people for important events.
In 1980 (B.E. 2523), Nang Yai was rehearsed and performed again at various events, such as the 200th Anniversary of Rattanakosin Celebration and Songkran Festival, to revive and perpetuate the art, culture, and traditional performance.
Later, the former abbot of Wat Ban Don recognized the need for a better place to store and preserve the puppets, allowing new generations to learn about this valuable ancient art. He initiated a project to construct a building for storing the Nang Yai puppets, which has been open to the public since 1991 (B.E. 2534).
Inside the museum building, shadow puppets are displayed, and there is a meeting room for lectures and viewing video presentations of Nang Yai performances.
Currently, some of the original 200 Nang Yai puppets have deteriorated. Therefore, an additional 77 puppets have been created and are used in performances alongside the original set. Popular stories performed include Ramakien and Inao.
Important puppets on display include:
- Nang Chao or Nang Kru (Master Puppets)These puppets are used exclusively for the Wai Kru (homage to teachers) ceremony and are not used in performances. Examples include Nang Ruesi (hermit), Nang Phra Isuan (Shiva), and Nang Phra Narai (Vishnu).
- Nang Fao or Nang Wai (Greeting Puppets)These are single figures shown in profile, with the puppet in a respectful "wai" (hands pressed together) posture. These puppets are approximately 1 meter tall.
- Nang Khanechon or Nang Dern (Walking Puppets)These are single figures shown in profile. If it's a male character (Phra), female character (Nang), or giant (Yak), the puppet is in a walking posture. If it's a monkey, it's in a crouching posture.
- Nang Nga or Nang Hor (Flying Puppets) are single figures shown in profile, depicting puppets in flying postures, shooting arrows, or holding weapons.
- Nang Mueang (City Puppets)These are single figures or multiple figures on one puppet sheet, featuring castle or palace designs. Some of these puppets can be up to 2 meters tall.
- Nang Rot (Chariot Puppets)These puppets depict royal chariots, with both single figures and multiple figures on the same panel.
- Nang Chap (Combat Puppets)These puppets feature two or more characters on a single puppet sheet, depicted in combat or grappling postures. Their height is comparable to Nang Mueang puppets.
Address and Contact Information
Wat Ban Don, Moo 4, Choeng Noen Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province 21000
Telephone: 081-295 6069, 087-745 9925
Operating Days and Hours
Telephone: 081-295 6069, 087-745 9925
Operating Days and Hours
Open Daily
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