Si Hu Ha Ta: The Living Spirit of Gad Luang

This interactive installation and multifunctional furniture piece re-examines Chiang Rai’s iconic mythical beast, “Si Hu Ha Ta” (The Four-Eared, Five-Eyed Creature), through the philosophical lens of animism—the belief in spirits residing within physical objects. It transforms an ancient supernatural legend into a contemporary civic spirit forged directly from the daily rhythms of Gad Luang.

The creature’s head is cleverly constructed from everyday plastic fruit crates, serving as vessels holding the collective hopes of the community. Local market commodities are curated to represent its sensory organs—five eyes and four ears dedicated to observing the joy and capturing the laughter echoing through the aisles. Conceived as vibrant, flexible street furniture, the creature feels as though it is ready to step forward in friendly greeting, welcoming both active play and quiet respite.

Subverting the classical miracle of consuming burning embers and excreting pure gold, the artwork introduces a witty, lighthearted folk tale: “a shimmering mist of golden flatulence.” This playful metaphor suggests that true fortune is no mystical miracle; rather, it is born of positive energy, clean surroundings, and the sincere hospitality of Gad Luang’s merchants and community. Together, they transform the humble and ordinary (charcoal) into authentic, radiant value (gold) for every visitor who arrives.