Exhibits in the Museum

history, archaeology, local architecture, royal regalia, weapons, ceramics, and religious

The museum has two floors, with the ground floor being devoted to the province’s ethnic groups, and the first floor displaying exhibits on Nan history and architecture. The ethnic groups represented are the northern Thais, Thai Lue, Htin, Khamu, Mabri, Hmong and Mien. In addition, you will also find fine specimens of textiles, utensils and tribal costumes, as well as silverwork of historical significance. In the second floor, you will find exhibits that deal with Nan history, such as royal regalia, ceramics, weapons that were used in battles as well as temple art and architectural styles. In fact this floor is divided into two sections, with the predominant one being the main hall used by the lords of Nan as their royal court. In addition there are several smaller rooms in the north and south wings, displaying a rare collection of Buddha statues in the Lana style and local floppy-eared style. The wooden statues, displaying the Luang Prabana influence, are depicted with their hands pointed towards the ground and in the side of the body, which is the “calling for rain” posture.

The pride of place, however, is held by a magnificent 97 cm long and 47 cm diameter elephant tusk, which was originally supposed to have been offered 300 years ago to a Nan king, in obeisance to him, by the Khun lord of Chiang Tung (Kengtung). The tusk is blackish or reddish brown, and sits atop a wooden Garuda structure. If you are further interested in delving into Thai history and archaeology, you can buy books in an adjacent building.