Elephants of Thailand in Myth, Art, and Reality

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Summary: This book offers a unique perspective on elephants
Review: When thinking of elephants, Thailand is not the first place that comes to most people's mind. However, as described here, elephants have played a major role in Thai art and culture throughout history.The author draws upon 14 years studying & teaching art in Thailand to present this comprehensive view of the elephant in Thai society. She does well in combining art with the elephants' active ceremonial & working roles. Elephants are shown in many art forms including drawings, engravings, murals, sculpture & bronzes. Well illustrated in b/w, there is also a 16 page color gallery showing a great variety of art and architectural detail. The physical characteristics of the Thai elephant and its current endangered status are covered here as well. This book provides an excellent overall view of the elephant's central role in Thai life & culture.