Thaeng yuak

Thai banana stalk carving or thaeng yuak (แทงหยวก, from Tang meaning "stab or carving", and Yuak mean "Banana stalk") is the Thai local art of carving the banana stalk for temporary decoration in funerals and cultural events such as religious ceremonies and ordination ceremonies. It is categorized as the fresh material carving section in the main 10 Thai art skills (ช่างสิบหมู่)^[1] although the population of thaeng yuak artists is very low compared to other art skills sections.

Thaeng yuak is a carving art that was popular in the lower part of central Thailand such as Phetchaburi and Ayutthaya province but most information about thaeng yuak art has been saved in Phetchaburi community more than it has been in other provinces.^[2] The main purpose of Banana Stalk Carving is to decorate the bier and funeral area.^[3] Also, thaeng yuak is made by the very skillful artists and the people who want to respect the dead. In the other words, it is used for royal funerals, as well as those of well-known monks, remarkable people and important people. However, the popularity of thaeng yuak has reduced since the new culture has become more interesting to the youth.