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Sukothai

The following pictures were taken just before the Thai new year in April 1999 on our way to Chiang Mai for the songkran festival. This stop was in Sukothai, the very first capital of the Siamese (Thai) people. Unlike the second capital in Ayuttaya, the present city of Sukothai and the old section where these ruins are found have been kept separate to maintain as much of it's originality as possible. Even the ruins them selves are in remarkable state considering how many times this place has played host to many hostile neighbors. Although it's just a small sampling that I have here, bear in mind that many of the Buddha images were covered in gold at one time and were housed in temples burnt down by invading armies. Impressive as it is now, it would surly have been a site to see some 700 years ago. A real monument to the Thai people.

In the early stages of this first capital, Thai architectural designs were also in their infancy. This picture shows one of the early temples built with very little contrast to those of the Khmer (Cambodians) in the east. They had a great influence on much of

the South Eastern part of Asia especially in religion. Because Cambodia was a key junction for trade between India and Eastern China, many of the Indian practices made their way into the culture of this area, and hence the adoption and spread of Buddhism. These pillars have many faces carved on the outside. Late we would see the Thai style of smooth domes that come narrow to the top until it reaches a spiraling point.

This is the entrance of one of the temples found on the outskirts of the main ruins area. This one was interesting because it of

the way it peers through the archway as you enter into his presence. There may have been doors at the front of this, I would doubt it was just left open. Also picture there being a roof and pillars in front of the wat. Some of the pillar stumps still remain. To the right of the wat there's a large mango tree (not seen), the largest I've even seen. It may date back to shortly after this wat was built but in these climates things do grow fast.

This is inside of the wat from the previous picture. There isn't much room to move around, the image takes up nearly all the room. It has undergone extensive restoration as the statue was once nearly covered in a blackish green layer from the rain and elements. Try and picture again this statue covered in gold. You can seem some of the flakes of gold still on the fingernail of the thumb. This is also a unique statue, one of very few that have been made with a boneless hand. Even though there are other parts of the statue that seem "disproportionate" or "unrealistic" the hand really stands out when you first see it.
(can you see where I am in one of the photos?!!)

Next to this ancient wall read a sign "Please support our foundation" Feeling the need to do my part, I stepped in. Later I realized the donation box was missing!

Here is yet another face of Buddha. I think each one is different in some way, but some are at a more "photographable" level than others!! It was a perfect day to take pictures and these are just a few. The one to the right is something very common in wat's and in the presence of a Buddha image. A saffron coloured (if not scented) candle is traditionally placed along with incense in front of the Buddha. Often times you'll find so much wax in this area, you could theoretically halt candle production for years if you were to recycle what was already there.

Were lead earrings even in vogue?