Sacred Monkey Amulets of Luang Por Ding Coveted by Collectors
The article profiles Luang Por Ding, a revered 20th-century monk from Chachoengsao who served as abbot of Wat Bang Wua and rose to become the district's chief monk. His hand-carved monkey amulets, made from specially harvested tree roots under strict ritual conditions, are now among Thailand's most sought-after sacred collectibles.
When the abbot of Wat Bang Wua passed away in 1900, the monks and villagers unanimously invited Luang Por Ding to return as abbot, a position he held until his death. During his tenure he restored the dilapidated temple, promoted scriptural education for monks and novices, and rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become Bang Pakong District's chief monk in 1936. In 1937 he received the royal ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Pibul Kanarak. Known for his strict discipline, compassion, and mastery of various Buddhist sciences, his sacred amulets — especially the carved monkey figures — became highly prized and are now extremely rare.
The distinctive "carved monkeys" were fashioned from the roots of rak and phut trees harvested according to strict rituals: roots must be dug on an auspicious date, taken only from roots extending eastward, excavated by a person dressed entirely in white who avoids stepping on their own shadow, while reciting prayers throughout. Production began around 1917 in small batches; each piece depicts a seated monkey with a curled tail as a base, some holding weapons such as a club or vajra. Luang Por Ding passed away peacefully on August 6, 1952, at age 75 after 55 years in the monkhood.
