Style and Origin of Upholders as Carrying Dwarfs at the Khao Khlang Nai Archeological Site, Si Thep, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

This article presents a study of the style and origin of stucco patterns of upholders as carrying dwarfs decorated on the base of religious place at Khao Klang Nai archaeological site located in Si Thep Historical Park, Si Thep District, Phetchabun Province. Results based on the investigation of style and origin suggested that the patterns of upholders as carrying dwarfs were influenced by the South Indian art that came to play a role in Southeast Asia in the same period of the Dvaravati and ancient Khmer arts which blended with the Si Thep local culture and skills of artisans to develop its uniqueness known as Si Thep school of art.