Mythology of Thai Music in Seriesof Archaeological Dances

Abstract

The concept of semiology of culture and music iconography were employed to analyze how thecomposer created the historical sign in the series of archaeological dances and in which way they weresignified. It was found that the composer had created the series of archaeological dances for signifying attwo levels1) Denotation level: the composer had created çthe signifier in the series of archaeological dancesé to“signify the ethnical sign and ancient state culture” by employing the outline of composition of Thaimodern history to adapt in the creation of the series of archaeological dances. Firstly, it represented thepoint of meaning of the Suvarnabhumi ethnic group through musical intonation. Secondly, implyingarea, time and qualification in the art and culture of the ancient state in the Kingdom of Thailand by Thaiensemble, choreography and costume design. Thirdly, representing Thai values in the series of archaeologicaldances through the custom of musical creation and Thai traditional choreography which becamea sign of Thai civilization.2) Connotation level: To signify the nation-state myth by implying Thai values in the series of archaeologicaldances, that reflects a new meaning instead of the old one as follows; (1) Ancient statecultural area become the Thai nation state by integrating the cultural boundary of the people in the landof Suvarnabhumi in the past and the geographical boundary of the Thais at present and (2) The Ethnicgroup and diversity of culture becomes one nation state by implying the significance of shared historyand culture in the diversity of the group of people in the Kingdom of Thailand at present. The series ofarchaeological dances are similar to those of historical speech in perceiving Thai values as national artand culture which inculcates national unity in people.Key words: Thai classical music, series of archaeological dance, myth, semiology, Meaning