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The Social Logic of the Temple Space: A Preliminary Spatial Analysis of Historical Buddhist Temples in Chiang Saen, Northern Thailand

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Abstract

This article applies space syntax analysis as an experimental tool to assess the spatial organization and social landscape among the Chiang Saen community in Northern Thailand. This article aims to highlight concepts and interpretations of social spaces that have both ritual and domestic components, providing insights into similarities and differences in the use of space. Space syntax research elsewhere has shed light on issues of social behavior through spatial accessibility. Application of the method to the spatial arrangements in sites in Northern Thailand that span the Buddhist reform period of the fourteenth century CE enhances our understanding of similar issues. The space syntax analysis demonstrates common systems found among six archaeological sites: the first is an asymmetrical and hierarchical pattern, which reflects elements of a strongly conventional temple pattern characteristic of the post-reform period, and the second identified the symmetrical and “openness” qualities of social spaces, a less regimented spatial pattern more aligned with local religious practices. The results demonstrate that the spatial arrangement in most temples is a combination of both spatial and social systems which also indicates negotiation and change between the two, suggesting diverse social activities and religious ideas were practiced and performed at the temples.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for Dr. Anna Källén for her invaluable comments and advice, as well as her kind effort for reading many versions of this manuscript. The authors are grateful for Dr. Benjamin Marwick for his invaluable comments and suggestions, as well as his kind effort in graphic creations and calculations; Figures 10–12 were created by Dr. Marwick who graciously shared his R-code and granted permission to use these. The authors are grateful for anonymous reviewers of the manuscript for their thoughts and suggestions, all of which have improved the manuscript. A special thanks to Arisa Juengsophonvitavas, Dr. Nattasit Srinurak, Nootnapang Chumdee, and Will Damitio for their kind help on the DepthmapX and GIS programs as well as valuable information and comments. The authors also would like to thank Chattaralada Sinthusara and Suphan Thasan for the documents and data from the Fine Arts Department of Thailand.

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  1. Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, College Hall 150, PO Box 644910, Pullman, WA, 99164-4910, USA

    Piyawit Moonkham & Andrew I. Duff

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Moonkham, P., Duff, A.I. The Social Logic of the Temple Space: A Preliminary Spatial Analysis of Historical Buddhist Temples in Chiang Saen, Northern Thailand. Int J Histor Archaeol 26, 849–884 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10761-021-00627-2

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