Belief Symbols in the Art of Coffin Carving of the Urak Lawoi Sea People in Koh Lanta District, Krabi Province

Abstract

This research article aims to study the belief symbols in the art of coffin carving and the relationship between coffin carving and beliefs and ways of life of the Urak Lawoi sea people in Koh Lanta District, Krabi 
Province, through participation in a qualitative research framework. Using symbolic behavior theory and symbolic objects in rituals, the researcher analyzes content data and presents it in a descriptive and analytical 
format.
The research findings reveal that the symbols of belief in the carvings on coffins represent the relationship between humans, nature, the universe, spirits, and the afterlife. There are three main categories: 1) nature symbols (wave patterns, aquatic plant patterns, fish patterns, turtle patterns, and 
seabird patterns); 2) the symbols of belief systems and ways of life (boat 
patterns, star patterns, and sun and moon patterns); and 3) geometric symbols (curved line patterns, circular patterns, and triangle patterns). The research found two dimensions of the belief symbols in the art of coffin carving, 
including 1) the dimension of belief in nature and 2) the dimension of belief in spirits and the afterlife. Furthermore, the coffin carvings of the Urak Lawoi sea people reflect cultural beliefs in coffin carving that have led to the 
development of cultural wisdom in crafting and transmitting these beliefs through various symbolic forms, ensuring that the identity of the Urak Lawoi ethnic group continues to thrive within the community.