Wua Lai area is situated between Wua Lai and Nantharam roads. Evidence shows that these communities immigrated to settle in Chiang Mai during the reign of King Kawila. They were from Ban Wua Lai, Pu city which lay on the west side of Salawin river and Kern city in Chiang Rung.
Majority of Wua Lai people were able to use silver to manufacture tools, utensils and silver accessories. This knowledge and skill was passed on to younger generations. Imagine walking into this community 50-60 years ago one would see that most families made their living from silver. However, presently, there are only a few families maintaining this tradition. This is because the popularity of silver is decreasing and silver has become difficult to find and is expensive. In addition, the number of skilled silversmiths has dwindled. All this has resulted in the higher price of silver ornaments and tools and is only used among the true admirers of silver.
At present, the silver-making in this community has been revitalized to preserve and gather all the skilled silversmiths. Due to the high price of silver, they use aluminum more. A lot of these craftsmen stated that aluminum is soft, and easy to manage. The center for this craft revitalization is at Muen-sarn temple where the aluminum is preferred to make different items ranging from very big size to small. The art works are used for building decoration, and ornaments for archways which can be seen around Chiang Mai.
Another center for silver making is at Sri-su-pan temple and called Lanna handicraft group. The site is also a school called Wat Sri-su-pan school. The majority of works in this center is smaller than those found in Muen-sarn temple. At present, this group has built silver recitation building in the temple. This is to demonstrate their knowledge and the artistic skills of the community. The building is ornamented with silver plates and aluminum with elaborate and delicate designs crafted by the community artisans.
References
Anu Neunhard, Pol. Lt. Col.. (2000). Sapa Rueng Kao (Miscellaneous stories of Chiang Mai in the past. (in Thai). Chiang Mai: Nopburi Printing.
Sguan Chotsukrat. (1973). Tam Nan Puen Mueang Chiang Mai (The legend of Chiang Ma). (in Thai). Bangkok: The Committee for Printing
History Documents, Office of Prime Minister.
____________. (1972). Prachum Tam Nan Lanna Thai Lem 1-2 (Conference of Lanna Thai Legendary Vol. 1-2). (in Thai). Bangkok: Odian store.
Usanee Thongchai. (2007). Wad Wiang Chiang Mai (Around Chiang Mai City).
(in Thai). Chiang Mai: Department of History, Faculty of Humanities
Chiang Mai University.
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