The changes in cultural identity of the Mekong ethnic group: Pu Ja drumming In Tai Lue cultural group

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the changes in the Pu Ja drumming culture of the Tai Lue ethnic group in the Mekong river basin using qualitative research method. The studied population was the Tai Lue people in Thailand, Burma, China, and Laos. The specific sample was studied, namely, folk philosophers, monks, Pu Ja drum scholars, and community leaders. The instruments used in the study were the observation forms and interview forms. The data was analyzed with the content analysis method. The research results revealed that the Pu Ja drum was still an important musical instrument in the ritual and the Buddhist beliefs of the Tai Lue ethnic group in Lanna strongly. The cultural methods and inheritance of the important identity of the Tai Lue ethnic group could maintain the Buddhism in the Lanna society. Although there are several changes when the time passes by, Pu Ja drum is still a part of life in the Tai Lue ethnic group which is part of the Mekong ethnic group that cannot be separated easily until the present. Besides, it is a good confirmation that the Pu Ja drum is also important to the devotion of Buddhism that the Tai Lue ethnic group strongly and continuously has to Buddhism until now