สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Vol. 30 No. 2 Apr.-Jun. 2005 492 §«“¡À¡“¬·≈–∫∑∫“∑¢ÕßÀπâ “¡â “ ¢Õßπ“ß·°â «Àπâ “¡â “ Abstract The Meanings and the Roles of The Horse Face of Nang Kaeo Na Ma Cholada Ruengruglikit Associate Fellow of the Academy of Arts, The Royal Institute, Thailand This article aims at studying the meanings and the roles of the horse face, or the horse-faced mask, of Nang Kaeo Na Ma in the folk dance-drama version of the story of Kaeo Na Ma composed by Prince Phuwanetnarinrit and also in Nithan Khamklon Rueng Kaeo Na Ma written by Nai But. In this paper, the horse face is considered a mask like Khon masks and the masks feigning in the parties. It is found that this horse-faced mask not only accords with Nang Kaeo’ s tomboyish manners, but also has several hidden meanings. Thesemeanings include the heroine’s unrefined behaviors, self hiding, ugliness and peculiarity, a protective gear, extraordinary strength, male personality and characteristics, and generosity. All of these meanings also exist in Thai dictions, idioms, and in some literary works. These meanings amazingly comply with Nang Kaeo’ s character, and behaviors. This horse face enables the heroine to present her self in three different figures and personalities which open a good chance for her to alternatively play the roles of a heroine, of a hero, and of a comedian. Nang Kaeo therefore plays more roles than other heroines in Thai literary works. From this study, it is also found that the horse face has three important roles. First, it helps the actress who plays the role of the heroine to conveniently and realistically change from her ugly horse face to a beautiful face by taking the mask off and putting it on again if she would like to return to her former face. Secondly, it brings unity to the story. Thirdly, it creates a new type of heroine in Thai literary circle. She chooses her own destiny. She is strong, brave and has important roles on her family’s and society’s happiness. Key words : the story of Kaeo Na Ma, Prince Phuwanetnarinrit, Nai But, the horse face of Nang Kaeo, meanings, roles, A new type of Thai heroine