The Lua-Malr Ethnic Identity through Kin Sa-load Ritual: A Case Study of the Lua-Malr of Ban Kok, Chiang Klang, Nan Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research aimed to study the meaning and components of the “Kin Sa Load” ritual, which is an ethnic identity of the Lua-Malr community. The research findings showcased a number of notable Lua-Malr identities including,  (1) Lua belief and practices: The preservation of traditional rituals, such as the ‘rice spirit blessing’, ‘rice wine rowing’, ‘drum-stick pih beating’, and ‘young bamboo shoots cooking’ as offeringsto please the Lua clan spirits; (2) Lua-Malr Ethno-musicology: The unique ritual performance differing from other Lua communities; (3) The continuity of Lua clan system:  The kin sa-load ritual facilitated the transmission of Lua belief in clan system. The harmonious bondage among the Lua-Malr in each community was ruled over by its mutual clan spirit-line; (4) Sustainable Lua ecological system: The kin sa-load ritual promoted the conservation of sacred forests, watershed areas, and communal rice-field forests, all related to rotational farming practices, representing sustainable agriculture; (5) Lua-Malr uniqueness: The kin sa-load ritual of Ban Kok Lua-Malr distincted from those of Lua Malr communities in terms of its detailed ritual component. This long-term painstaking research thus provides specific benefits for the sustainable transmission of Lua-Malr traditions and the continuity of Lua clan system and lineages. In addition, it might significantly attract the eco-tourism in northern Thailand in the long-run.