Key Takeaways
Introduction to the Centre of Southern Northeast Culture
The Centre of Southern Northeast Culture, strategically located opposite Buri Ram Rajabhat University, serves as a repository and exhibition space for historical and archaeological artifacts from the Southern Northeast region. Established in 1982 following an academic seminar titled "Southern Northeast History and Culture," the center aims to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of this area.
Architectural Design and Structure
The Cultural Hall
The center comprises two main structures. The first is a two-story cultural hall that combines the architectural style reminiscent of the Phanom Rung Stone Castle with modern design techniques. This fusion of ancient and contemporary architectural styles creates a unique space that reflects both the historical significance and the evolving nature of cultural preservation.
The Auditorium Building
The second structure is an auditorium building, designed to host a variety of cultural and educational events. This facility supports the center’s mission to educate the public and promote an understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
Geographic and Cultural Context
The Southern Northeast region is centered around the Mun River and Korat Lake, also known as Thung Kula Ronghai. It encompasses the provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani, as well as parts of Yasothon, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, and Chaiyaphum. This area is notable for having the highest concentration of ancient communities in the region.
Influence of Khmer Culture
The influence of Khmer culture is evident throughout the Southern Northeast, with significant sites including the Phimai Historical Park, the Phanom Rung Historical Park, and the Preah Vihear Sanctuary. These locations highlight the region’s historical importance as a center of Khmer civilization.
Historical Discoveries and Exhibitions
The area around Buri Ram province has yielded numerous archaeological finds, including kilns and pottery artifacts that date back approximately 800 to 1,200 years, corresponding to the 15th to 19th centuries B.E. The Centre of Southern Northeast Culture organizes various educational exhibitions to showcase these discoveries.
Geographic Exhibition
One of the key exhibitions at the center focuses on the geography of the Southern Northeast region and Buri Ram province. This display provides visitors with an understanding of the area’s physical landscape and its impact on the development of ancient communities.
Buri Ram Ancient Community Exhibition
The Buri Ram Ancient Community Exhibition explores the lives of the region’s early inhabitants, highlighting their social structures, crafts, and daily activities. This exhibit offers insights into the evolution of human settlement in the area.
Antiques from Different Periods
Visitors can also explore a collection of antiques from various historical periods, providing a chronological perspective on the development of culture in the Southern Northeast.
The History of Surin and the Elephants
The exhibition dedicated to the history of Surin focuses on the region’s deep connection with elephants. It includes displays on the traditional methods of wild elephant hunting, the tools used by mahouts, and the rituals associated with elephant care.
Religions and Beliefs Exhibition
This section of the center delves into the diverse religious practices and beliefs that have shaped the cultural landscape of the Southern Northeast. It features Buddha statues, bronze graven images, and other religious artifacts.
Textiles and Way of Life Exhibition
The Textiles and Way of Life Exhibition showcases traditional Southern Northeast serge and ikats, illustrating the region’s rich textile heritage and its role in the daily lives of its people.
Kilns and Potteries
An exhibition on kilns and potteries provides insights into the ancient craft techniques used in the region, highlighting the skill and artistry of the area’s early inhabitants.
Conclusion
The Centre of Southern Northeast Culture stands as a vital institution for the preservation and promotion of the region’s cultural heritage. Through its diverse exhibitions and educational programs, the center offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the Southern Northeast’s historical and cultural significance.
Address And Location:
Nai Mueang Mueang Buri Ram Buri Ram 31000