Choreographic Features from the Human Figure Reliefs of Sikhoraphum Temple, Surin Province

Abstract

        This article was derived from the research titled"Sikhoraphum Temple: Decoding the Choreographic Features from Human Figure Reliefs to the Creation of Performing Arts”. The objectives were: 1) to study the process of decoding the human figure reliefs at Sikhoraphum temple, Surin province, and 2) to examine the choreographic features in the human figure reliefs at Sikhoraphum temple, Surin Province. This was a research and development project, with data collected through interviews, observations, and group discussions. The scope of the study included the carvings of human figures on lintels, wall-attached columns, decorative columns of the door frames, and the spires of the temple. The research revealed 11 human figure reliefs categorized into three groups based on their Aṅka (principal body parts), divided into three positions: 1) Sthānata (head), 2) Nṛyahastaka (hands and arms), and 3) Cārī (legs and feet). The image decoding involved drawing outlines and using actors to reenact the dance poses. The findings further revealed that the choreographic features in the human figure reliefs were poses derived from the roots of original movements which have developed into 24 primary poses. These poses clearly preserved both the choreographic features and its meaning.