The Old Silat Fighter Painting

This painting is inspired by a "Pencak Silat" ceremony attended by the artist in Yala province, southern Thailand, in 2015. "Silat" is a martial art of Javanese origin, and though the Malay-speaking people of the former Sultanate of Patani are now Muslim, vestiges of Hinduism remain in Silat. The Deep South of Thailand, formerly known as Patani, was subjugated by Siam in the 18th Century. It was finally incorporated into Siam by the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. Sporadic secessionist violence evolved into a concerted insurgency in 2004, and peace still seems very far from returning to this small part of what is now southern Thailand. The Patani Malays retain their language and culture, and the central image of this painting is surrounded by a traditional Malay floral design, cornered by the "Keris"; a traditional Malay dagger, of which this type is only made in Yala province. The Keris is believed to have mystical powers, and occupies a special place in Malay culture. The calligraphy, in Jawi script, reads "Pencak Silat Patani". This painting is rendered on rough parcel paper, producing an image of grace and beauty out of the mundane. The rough, torn edges give a rustic and spontaneous feel to the painting.

Painting:Gouache on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:7.5 W x 8.5 H x 0 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.