Lanna Traditional Arts Study Center (Sala Sip Mu Lanna)

The Lanna Traditional Arts Study Center, located within Wat Sri Suphan in Chiang Mai, was formally established in 2007 (B.E. 2550) through collaboration between the temple, local artisan communities, and educational institutions under the network of the Kanchanapisek Non-formal Education Centre (Royal Academy)—a national framework dedicated to the systematic transmission of traditional Thai arts and crafts.

The Wua Lai community is recognized as one of Chiang Mai’s most significant centers of traditional silver craftsmanship, with origins tracing back to the Lanna Kingdom and further revitalized during the early Rattanakosin period. Historical accounts indicate that skilled artisans were relocated from neighboring regions, particularly under the urban restoration policies of King Kawila, leading to the formation of a concentrated silversmith community. Within this context, “Sala”—master artisans specializing in metalwork—developed a high level of expertise in repoussé techniques, creating finely detailed silver objects that reflect both aesthetic refinement and cultural symbolism. Silver craftsmanship in Wua Lai is therefore not merely a form of production, but a living cultural heritage that embodies local identity, belief systems, and generational knowledge.

The establishment of the center is rooted in the long-standing heritage of the Wua Lai silversmith community, where craftsmanship has been passed down through generations. However, socio-economic changes led to a decline in the number of practicing artisans, as younger generations pursued alternative careers and rising material costs posed additional challenges to the sustainability of traditional practices. In response, the temple initiated the development of a structured learning center to preserve and revitalize Lanna craftsmanship, particularly repoussé silverwork, by facilitating direct knowledge transfer from master artisans (Sala) to new generations. Today, the center functions as both a cultural space and a hands-on learning environment, offering workshops and short courses for both Thai and international visitors. It continues to serve as a living educational platform within the temple, reflecting the integration of religion, education, and community, while contributing to significant cultural works such as the Silver Ubosot.

Reference:

• Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (Public Organization). (n.d.). Wua Lai Community, Chiang Mai. Retrieved from: https://wikicommunity.sac.or.th/community/1175
• Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (Public Organization). (n.d.). Lanna Craft Wisdom Museum. Retrieved from: https://db.sac.or.th/museum/museum-detail/1630
• Chiang Mai University. (2014). A Study of Management in the Wua Lai Silversmith Community, Chiang Mai. Retrieved from: https://archive.lib.cmu.ac.th/full/T/2557/mpa40757pk_ch1.pdf