| OLD KILN |
An ancient kiln and an accompanying Brahman shrine can bee seen at the same
location beside Khlong Bang Khoat (the old Lopburi River). They are situated north of
the main island on the Phaniat peninsula. The elephant kraal is directly to the east.
The collapsed ruin of a single kiln is still viewable. There is plenty of broken ceramic
pieces and roof tiles scattered nearby. The ceramics are mostly for functional purposes in
the unpainted local style. A Ficus Religiosa or Bodhi tree grows over this site, which has
been squared off by metal posts and layered with a brick foundation. It is not clear as to
when the kiln was built, or when it was last used, but its location provided access to
water for processing the ceramics and enabled easy transport of the finished product by
boat.
A second feature at this site is a small Brahman shrine. At the staircase there is a
collection of elephant bones. Inside the shrine there are dozens of phallic images (lingam),
reflecting the style of wooden posts used at the elephant kraal. These have been careful
wrapped with decorative cloth.
The phallic images at the shrine suggest a Brahman influence, and these priests were
involved with several ceremonies concerning elephants, including ceremonies for
replacing the wooden posts. It is one of two shrines in the area (the second was built in
recent times on the northwestern corner of the elephant kraal).
The date of the Brahman shrine is unclear, but it could have been built on an older site.
According to the Fine Arts department, a group of Brahman priests lived on the opposite
side of Khlong Bang Khuat, in the vicinity of where Wat Phraw was once located. A
market in this area sold incense, perfume, and scented powder. It is reasonable to believe
that they crossed the river and used this site for ceremonies involving the elephant kraal.
The kiln and Brahman shrine have both been renovated recently. Mahouts from the
elephant kraal still visit the Brahman shrine sometimes.
location beside Khlong Bang Khoat (the old Lopburi River). They are situated north of
the main island on the Phaniat peninsula. The elephant kraal is directly to the east.
The collapsed ruin of a single kiln is still viewable. There is plenty of broken ceramic
pieces and roof tiles scattered nearby. The ceramics are mostly for functional purposes in
the unpainted local style. A Ficus Religiosa or Bodhi tree grows over this site, which has
been squared off by metal posts and layered with a brick foundation. It is not clear as to
when the kiln was built, or when it was last used, but its location provided access to
water for processing the ceramics and enabled easy transport of the finished product by
boat.
A second feature at this site is a small Brahman shrine. At the staircase there is a
collection of elephant bones. Inside the shrine there are dozens of phallic images (lingam),
reflecting the style of wooden posts used at the elephant kraal. These have been careful
wrapped with decorative cloth.
The phallic images at the shrine suggest a Brahman influence, and these priests were
involved with several ceremonies concerning elephants, including ceremonies for
replacing the wooden posts. It is one of two shrines in the area (the second was built in
recent times on the northwestern corner of the elephant kraal).
The date of the Brahman shrine is unclear, but it could have been built on an older site.
According to the Fine Arts department, a group of Brahman priests lived on the opposite
side of Khlong Bang Khuat, in the vicinity of where Wat Phraw was once located. A
market in this area sold incense, perfume, and scented powder. It is reasonable to believe
that they crossed the river and used this site for ceremonies involving the elephant kraal.
The kiln and Brahman shrine have both been renovated recently. Mahouts from the
elephant kraal still visit the Brahman shrine sometimes.
| Text & Pictures by Ken May - April 2009 |
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