Phra Khon Samon Kru Nur Din Dam BE2460 (100 over years) Wat Khang Khaw

Phra Khon Samon Kru Nur Din Dam BE2460 (100 over years) Wat Khang Khaw 

with Standard Certificate

Phra Khon Samo (Sacred Clay Amulet) – B.E. 2460 (circa 1917)

Mass Consecration Ceremony at Wat Khang Khaw (Wat Khang Khaw, "Temple Beside the Hill")

Sacred Heritage from Early 20th Century Thailand

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1. Historical Background

During the reign of King Rama VI (B.E. 2453–2468 / 1910–1925), Buddhist faith and devotion remained deeply embedded within Thai society. Monasteries across the country organized mass consecration ceremonies to produce amulets that would serve as spiritual anchors for the public during times of uncertainty and social transition.

Around B.E. 2460 (1917), Wat Khang Khaw—a historic temple situated near a mountain or rocky area—conducted a major mass consecration ceremony ("Pithi Moo") to create batches of sacred clay amulets known today as Phra Khon Samo.

The term "Khon Samo" is used by collectors and devotees to describe these distinct clay amulets, easily recognizable by their raw and traditional crafting methods reflective of the era.

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2. Purpose of Creation

The production of Phra Khon Samo aimed to:

• Support and fund the restoration of Wat Khang Khaw and other local religious structures.

• Create a source of spiritual merit and protection for the villagers during times of economic hardship and political uncertainty.

• Preserve Buddhist teachings and encourage Dhamma practice through widespread distribution of sacred items.

• Strengthen the faith and unity of local communities by participating in the mass chanting and ritual blessing ceremonies.

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3. Materials and Craftsmanship

The Phra Khon Samo amulets were crafted using traditional methods and sacred materials:

• Sacred Clay (Nur Din) sourced from temple grounds, riverbeds, and holy sites believed to have potent spiritual energies.

• Mixtures of relic fragments, powdered incense, and auspicious plant materials were combined with the clay to enhance spiritual efficacy.

• Hand-molded or pressed into basic religious forms, reflecting the simplicity and purity of early Thai amulet-making traditions.

The amulets often show natural cracks, coarse textures, and color variations (ranging from reddish-brown to earthy tones), all of which are considered marks of authenticity.

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4. Consecration and Rituals

The amulets were consecrated through a mass ritual (Pithi Phutthaphisek), which typically included:

• Prolonged chanting of Pali scriptures and parittas by a gathering of respected monks.

• Recitation of katha (mantras) for blessing, protection, and invoking sacred energies.

• Meditative empowerment, with monks entering deep samadhi to channel metta (loving-kindness) into the amulets.

The collective spiritual energy generated from a mass consecration was believed to significantly enhance the potency of the amulets.

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5. Characteristics and Appearance

Typical features of Phra Khon Samo (Wat Khang Khaw, B.E. 2460):

• Basic, rustic Buddhist imagery (sometimes Bodhisattva forms or symbolic structures).

• Handmade forms with natural asymmetry, reflecting non-industrial production.

• Clay body often bears visible inclusions of relics, pollen grains, or sacred powders.

• Surface may retain traces of ancient ritual oils or incense staining from the blessing ceremony.

• Sizes and shapes vary slightly, emphasizing their artisanal origin.

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6. Spiritual Beliefs and Benefits

Devotees believe the Phra Khon Samo amulets offer:

• Protection against physical harm, illness, and misfortune (Klaew Klaad).

• Enhancement of mental resilience and peace of mind.

• Attraction of good fortune and blessings in daily life.

• Promotion of compassion, mindfulness, and steadfast faith in Buddhism.

Many devotees regard them as "everyday amulets" with deep spiritual resonance, suitable for both laypeople and practitioners.

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7. Collectibility and Legacy

Phra Khon Samo amulets from Wat Khang Khaw, B.E. 2460 era, are:

• Highly respected among traditional collectors due to their historical value.

• Rarely found in pristine condition because of their age and delicate clay material.

• Increasingly appreciated for their role in representing early 20th-century Thai Buddhist craftsmanship.

• Often accompanied by certificates of authenticity in formal collections today.

Their genuine simplicity, combined with strong spiritual lineage, makes them timeless symbols of faith, perseverance, and communal devotion.