Cultural capital and local wisdom of Ban Kaeng community, Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

The study aims to 1. investigate the potential of cultural capital and local wisdom in the Ban Kaeng community, 2. classify the types of cultural capital and local wisdom in the Ban Kaeng subdistrict, and 3. analyze the potential of cultural capital and local wisdom in the Ban Kaeng community. The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing in-depth interviews and purposive sampling with 12 participants, including community leaders, local experts, and residents, to collect comprehensive data on cultural capital and local wisdom. The research findings reveal that 1. The cultural capital and local wisdom of the Ban Kaeng community demonstrate rich diversity and uniqueness, representing distinctive identities through local language, cuisine, handicrafts such as pottery and weaving, and various cultural performances. 2. The categories of cultural capital and local wisdom in Ban Kaeng Subdistrict are classified into four groups: Valuable Architectural Heritage-including Wat Ban Kaeng and Wat Koh Kaew; Traditional Handicrafts—including Mon pottery from Ban Mon, woven fabric from Ban Wang Yuak, and Tai Dam textile products from Ban Wang Yuak; Traditional Sports and Folk Games-such as the local game “Look Makon,” which reflects the community’s identity; and Social Practices, Rituals, and Festivals—covering religious ceremonies (e.g., San Ruean ritual), festive traditions (e.g., Mon Songkran Festival and Tai Dam Cultural Heritage Festival), and livelihood-related traditions (e.g., Mon and Tai Dam traditional foods such as Khao Chae, Kanom Jeen Mon, Kanom Krok Mon, Khao Niew Daek Nga, Kaeng Pham, Phak Jup, Pla Ping Tob, and Kob Ping Oh). 3. Regarding management and facilities, the community has a strong administrative structure managed by the Ban Mon Pottery Center Committee and the Tai Dam Cultural Center, supported by basic amenities such as convenient access from the main road, parking areas, restrooms, and meeting spaces. Moreover, the community offers participatory cultural tourism activities, including pottery making, pattern painting, fabric weaving, basketry, and folk games. Effective internal communication is facilitated through a local broadcasting system, with village leaders—such as the Kamnan and village headman—playing key roles in coordinating and actively promoting cultural activities.