Khong mon

Khong mon

Classification	Percussion (idiophone)

The khong mon (Thai: ฆ้องมอญ, pronounced [kʰɔ́ːŋ mɔːn]) is a gong-circle instrument that is associated with the Mon people of mainland Southeast Asia. It produces the same range of pitches as the more common khong wong gong circle, but rather than resting on the ground, the wooden frame of the khong mon 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 decorated lavishly in gold paint and glass inlay.

Khong mon are featured in a special type of Thai ensemble called pi phat, which plays pi phat mon or pi phat nang hong into the mainstream of traditional Thai music as well; pi phat mon or pi phat nang hong is usually performed by Thai musicians.

See also

• Khong wong yai
• Khong wong lek

References

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