Uniqueness of Lue Temples in Nan Province

Abstract

This paper aims to explore traditional architectures in type of Lue temples which are
spiritual centers of the Lue as one of the ethnic groups living in Nan province located in the
Northern Region of Thailand. The paper presents distinctive features and spiritual spaces of
the Lue group and how they maintain cultural identity from generation to generation. The
Lue temples in 72 villages across 7 districts in and around Nan were investigates to reflect
unique charactertics of the Lue temples which are located in 7 districts, predominantly in
Pua District (6 Sub-districts: 25 villages) followed by Tha Wang Pha District (6 Sub-
districts: 14 villages), Santisuk District (1 Sub-district: 10 villages), Song Kwae District (3
Sub-districts: 10 villages), Thung Chang District (2 Sub-districts: 7 villages), Chiang Klang
District (2 Sub-districts: 5 villages), and 1 village in Chaloem Phra Kiat District. The paper
presents distinctive characteristics of Lue temples includes Nong Bua temple and Anumoon
temple in Tha Wang Pha District; Hia temple, Ton Laeng temple, Rong Ngae temple,
Nawong temple, and Beng Sakat temple in Pua District; Nong Daeng temple in Chiang
Klang District; and Huay Khon temple in Chaloem Phra Kiat District. The analysis of roof
reveals 2 and more than 3 tiers with certain building ornaments; for example, gable apex of
viharns in Lue temples installed with the statues of Hasadilink birds, swans, and peacocks
with their bodies running along the roof ridges, and the tails in the shape of Naga head at the
top corner of the roof. At the front stairs are round-relief statues of Singha and Naga before
the entrance of Lue temples. These features remain Lue temples unique.