Trip Report, Part 14C: Sanctuary Woodworkers

Workers begin the transformation, following the drawn template

[This is part 14C of a series that may or may not ever find its way to a proper conclusion. It has to do with my latest trip to Thailand, and the people, places and things I encountered along the way. You can find the rest of the series by clicking here on Trip Reports.]


OK, one last look at the craftsmanship involved in constructing the Sanctuary of Truth - but these images were taken in the workshop where most of the actual artistry takes place; a community effort under the direction of a handful of artisans who direct the more time-consuming process of the actual carving itself.

It's undoubtedly tedious work, but nevertheless a necessary investment of time and effort, and still a part of the magic of turning a block of wood into a work of art. The finer points are completed by those with a more accomplished skill set, naturally.

Note the wooden "peg" that will hold the post in place. No metal is used.

In the interest of time, materials and effort portions are repaired, rather than replaced

As you saw at the end of yesterday's post, part of the detailing is done inside the structure itself, but the extensive workshop had hundreds of pieces in process beneath it's roof.  The walls are open-sided - as is the main sanctuary itself - but it's warm inside, and fans were running to keep a breeze on the workers.

The workshop areas are set off the regular visitor's path, and there aren't any signs to welcome tourists inside - undoubtedly a safety issue more than anything else - but when my friend asked if we might come in and take some pictures to post here we were welcomed as if nobody else had shown them any interest in a year.  I think they were pleased to be recognized, myself.

Being the uncommon visitors we were the source of some interest, but I didn't interrupt their work to ask people to pose, but I'd asked my friend how to say "nice work!" to compliment those who did look up, and since I had the camera out at the ready I did get one shot of some of the boys smiling. 


A nice addition to the day's batch, I thought.