Treasures of Siam lay hidden from view in a dark storage room at the Smithsonian Institution's Support Centre in Maryland, just outside Washington.

These are gifts from Siam to various presidents of the United States, and in their history can be traced diplomatic relations dating back more than 100 years.

The priceless artefacts, many with colourful, decorative detail, sit idly in cupboards, among them a painted bust of King Mongkut (Rama IV), which his successor, Chulalongkorn, gave to the US for its centenary in 1876. 

"The bust is a highlight of our collection," says support centre staff member Deborah Hull-Walski, adding that it was proudly shown to the cast of a touring rendition of "The King and I".

The actors wanted a glimpse into the world of the monarch infamously depicted in their musical.

In 1833, Siam became the first Asian nation to sign a treaty with the young union, and it led to a series of gift exchanges.

Lisa McQuail writes in "Treasures of Two Nations" that 15 major sets of gifts were formally exchanged between the countries after King Rama III signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce.

Cultural misunderstanding resulted in the loss of some of the gifts, such as elephant teeth, the significance of which was lost on the US envoy. And Edmund Roberts, who negotiated the 1833 treaty, summarily dismissed a collection of royal gifts consisting of rainforest products.

There was no such misunderstanding about the delicate silks, fish traps, mats and metalwork that remain, even if some might have seemed strange to the recipients.

On one occasion King Chulalongkorn sent 900 items to the US as part of "Siam Exhibit" for the Centennial Exposition of 1876. Included were samples of traditional arts and the typical possessions of a Buddhist monk.

The fish traps and fish creel that Rama V sent three decades later would have reaffirmed in American minds that the Siamese relied on their waterways. At the centennial show, spectacular models of the Royal Barges were on display.

"It was good public relations for Thailand," Hull-Walski says. "They show the full range of items involved in the lifestyle of Siam. See this beautiful fish basket - it displays the skill and quality that go into Thai handicrafts."

She indicates the theatrical masks sent as gifts, noting that the fine detail in the craftsmanship distinguishes them from those of other Asian nations.

"Yours are very sophisticated, among the most beautiful masks I have ever seen," she says, holding masks of the monkey warrior Hanuman and the 10-headed demon Thotsakan.

King Mongkut sent photographs of the royal family in a personal gesture of friendship to the president, as well as betel-nut sets and gilt scissors for haircutting.

The artefacts aren't on public display, partly because so many are fragile, but viewings are occasionally arranged for select groups.

Another staff member, Felicia Pickering, says the low-key presentation doesn't detract from the gifts' importance.

"In the 19th century most Americans didn't know about Thailand," she says. "These objects and artefacts introduced Siam to Americans. They are visible history. These objects talked to people."

Jeerawat Na Thalang

The Nation