Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Bangkok Chaomae ThapThim shrine


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 136
Date:
Bangkok Chaomae ThapThim shrine
Permalink  
 


 

Goddess Tubtim Shrine

 

Tucked behind the Nai Lert Hotel, alongside the San Saeb canal and underneath an ancient ficus tree, lies a shrine dedicated to the goddess Tubtim.  Originally a spirit house, the place where the spirit of the land (who was disrupted by you building on it) would reside, the shrine evolved over time into an unintentional fertility shrine as more and more worshipers brought offerings of phalluses.  Ranging from the symbolic to the highly realistic, the collection fills the area around the shrine. 

P1120959

A healthy selection of phallus-shaped offerings left around the largest ficus tree at the shrine.  The irony is, sex toys are illegal in Thailand so if you were to try to bring a legitimate dildo into the country, you would be stopped.  By highly realistic phalluses for the purpose of spirit worship?  That's okay.

P1120954

Some of these phalluses are quite detailed.  And at least one has studs in it, perhaps representing the a special community?

P1120961

Normally, spirit houses have some small sculptural figures meant to represent both the spirits as well as those who are there to entertain and serve them.  So many figures have been added that they are arranged on two adjacent shelves.  You can see the San Saeb canal in the background.

P1120970

The figures include representation of parents as well as a host of animals.

P1120966

Also, there are more than 100 traditional Thai dancers to keep the spirits entertained.

P1120950

And, inexplicably, a pair of male dolls.  Barbie's gay brother Eric and his lover Stephen?  The women on the upper shelf are all ladies in waiting.

P1120987

Who's living in the spirit house?  I spy a kitten!

P1120997

This one seems to have a fungal infection.  Experiencing any itching or burning sensation?



__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse
Powered by ActiveBoard