Myth of the Mon

Ancient sculptors from different have left behind many kindly of religious sculptures created out of various different faiths, traditions, ideals and beliefs. One interesting example of such ancient sculptures can be found in Chiang Mai, a province that is home to some religious artwork that may be considered unique. The subject matter of the sculptures is mostly the strange animals believed to dwell in the mythical ‘Himmapan Foresst’ (a mysterious land Thais believe was around before the time of the Buddha). The most common ones are the king of the Nagas (serpent-type creatures) and Leos, various kinds of lion-like creatures. However, if you look closely at the gables of many temple, you will often find another exotic animal with a strange appearance. It somewhat resembles a monkey with long hands and body, and is called ‘Mom.’

There is no clear evidence to explain exactly where the myths about ‘Mom’ originated. However, if we go back to study about Chiang Mai’s ancient history, we will find that Chiang Mai used to be the center of the ‘Lanna Empire’. At one time this empire was an affluent kingdom. It became the main communication center for many people from China and Burma. Therefore, Chiang Mai’s culture was affected by these neighboring nations and the different influences gradually blended to create the unique Lanna artistic style. The sculptures of ‘Mom’ were probably influenced by art from China and Burma, while the local sculptors and storytellers added their own imagination.

In his thesis, Saroj Thitikulrat of the Thai Arts Department, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, suggested three possible explanations of the ‘Mom’ belief.

The first one is that ‘Mom’ comes from Chinese myths dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). we can see evidence of decorative designs of a very similar animal in bronze mirrors from this period. Moreover, some experts on mythical beasts believe that the ‘Mom’ was part of the Leo family. It is powerful and appears to be a king among other animals. Therefore, ‘Mom’ figures have generally been carved or sculpted to act as guards at many temples in China, Burma, Cambodia, and Jave.

The second possible explanation is that ‘Mom’ was supposed to be an animal that was close to the Lord Buddha. Some sources cite myths that say at one time in history many ‘moms’ prayed to have their pictures embellished on Buddhist monuments so they could build up merit. They expected to be reborn as human so they could become monks in their next life.

The last explanation comes from an article by Dr.Walter Waldemar C. Cailer on the topic of ‘Lanna Buddhist Art’ published in 1985-1986. Cailer suggests that ‘Moms’ were usually depicted gathered together in groups of six. They will circle together, almost like in Tibetan art, supposedly signifying the six senses of Buddhist teachings. Human sensory perceptions are believed to create the desire and lust that keep people enslaved in the cycle of reincarnation. People have ears for listening, eyes for seeing, a nose for smelling, a tongue for tasting, a body for touching, and a mind for thinking. However, Cailer still believes that ‘Mom’ is, in reality, derived from the Pekinese dog, a breed that originated in Tibet.
Since 1957 to present, the public perception of ‘Mom’ sculptures has changed as a result of the analyses of new generations of scholars. In the past most agreed ‘Mom’ was a kind of Leo, but now the idea that ‘Mom’ is a King of the Nagas has become more popular. One theory of the origin of the name ‘mom’ may add substance to the latter interpretation. That is because the Naga is an amphibious animal, which prefers to be in the water more than on land. Whenever it comes up from the water. It is usually covered in mud, so people may have called it ‘Mom-mam- (meaning dirty).

In our counter, there are still many fascinating ancient artworks to see almost everywhere, and they never fail to make us wonder at their beauty. However, if we take a look at them closely. We will realize there are interesting messages in the spirit of those artwork, which h can teach us something of the way of life and the traditions of our ancestors.


Unseen Thailand