Artist Gade Borwanchidputhigun56 viewsArtist Gade Borwanchidputhigun (center) takes a short break during the casting cerermony
A Woman Adds a Brass Sheet to the Molten Bronze47 viewsA woman adds a thin brass sheet inscribed with personal information to the crucible of molten bronze that will become part of the Head of the Buddha Image.
A Close Up of a Brass Sheet Being Added to the Molten Bronze.48 views
Another Brass Sheet is Added to the Crucible51 views
A Monk Distributes Thread used in the Casting Ceremony54 viewsA Monk distributes thread that was used in ceremony to participants. The Monk's dark color robe signifies that he lives in the forest rather than a temple.
The Crowd Gathers at the ceremony for the casting of the Head of the Buddha image28 viewsDecember of 2006 was a special time for the Buddhists of North Thailand. It was the time when the Head of the Buddha for a nearly 10 meter tall bronze image was cast. The casting in bronze of such a large Buddha image is not a common occurrence. Monks and the people gathered in Chiang Mai to be part of this auspicious occasion.
The Monks gather30 viewsAt the casting ceremony Buddhist monks form all over Chiang Mai gather to be part of this special ceremony.
Guests pays respect to the Buddha32 viewsGuests at the ceremony pay respect to Buddha in the area set aside for the monks.
Another shot of the guests and the monks30 views
A view of the crowd and the casting furnaces32 viewsThe crowd waits until the bronze is melted and casting can begin.
The "Gold Tree"31 viewsThe thin brass sheets on the tree will be used by people to write personal messages to be included in the bronze melt for the Head of the Buddha Image.
Melting the Bronze35 viewsAir is forced into the charcoal furnace to heat the bronze until it is melted in the crucible.
