The name 'Subanahongsa' or 'Golden Hamsa', a swan — like mythical steed of Brahma, forst appeared in chronicals of the Ayutthaya period. King Rama I commanded the Royal Barge Sri Subanahongsa to be built soon after his accession to the throne in 1782. The predecessor of the Subanahongsa was 36 metres in length, 2.88 metres at the beam and drew a draught of 67 centimetres. She was in constant use as the Principal Royal Barge until she became too old to be repaired. King Rama VI then commanded the building of her successor, the present Subanahongsa which was launched on November 13, 1911

The Subanahongsa is 46.15 metres in length, 3.17 metres at the beam with the depth of her her hull at 94 cms. Her full complement consists of 50 oarsmen, 2 steersmen, 2 officers fore and aft, 1 standard bearer, 1 signalman, I chanter and 7 Royal Insignia bearers. In state processions, she carries either a spired throne or a roofed pavillion surrounded by court officials.

The Subanahongsa is made out of a single trunk of teakwood. It is said that the master craftsman threw away all his tools after her completion and vowed never to work again. Whether this is true or not is immaterial for she is the most majestic of all Royal Barges. Her hamsa figurehead is raised in flight with protruding eyes, flared nostrils, fangs showing through her grimacing mouth. She holds a crystalline ball and tassle in her mouth, wears a garland and pendant around her neck. Her feathers, represented by gilded and mirrored Thai ornaments, seemingly flow in the wind all along the length of her body to her flame-like tail. She is presented in full flight aided by the stylized motion of the oarsmen. Their gilded paddles flash in sunlight suggesting the sedate movement of her wings.

Labels: THE ROYAL BARGES