Khong mon

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The khōng mōn is a gong-circle instrument which is associated with the Mon people of Southeast Asia. It produces the same range of pitches as the more common khōng wōng gong circle, but rather than resting on the ground, the wooden frame of the khōng mōn extends into the air in the shape of a horseshoe. The image of a half-man, half-bird figure carved onto the frame is traditional, and is meant to symbolize a celestial musician. The frame is also typically decoated lavishly in gold paint and glass inlay.

Khōng mōn are featured in a special type of Thai ensemble called pī phāt, which plays pī phāt mōn funeral music. Though the instruments, ensemble, and music are derived from the culture of the Mon people, they have been incorporated into the mainstream of traditional Thai music as well; pī phāt mōn is usually performed by Thai musicians.

[edit] Reference

• Clark, Mitchell (2005). "Sounds of the Silk Road: Musical Instruments of Asia." Boston: Museum of Fine Arts Publications.