Thailand: A young woman plays the khong mon, a gong-circle instrument, in a traditional Thai orchestra, Bangkok

The khong mon 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.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From History