Khāēn
Legend holds that this free-reed instrument, played in the tribal music of Thailand and Laos, was invented to imitate the voice of the karaweik bird. To sound the Khāēn one exhales or inhales into a wind chamber to activate metal reeds which are attached to each bamboo pipe and concealed by the wooden chamber. Opening a finger hole above the chamber allows air to vibrate the reed and sound. Also found in Laos, this mouthorgan is related to others throughout Asia.
Artwork Details
- Title: Khāēn
- Date: late 19th century
- Geography: Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma)
- Culture: Thai or Burmese
- Medium: Wood, skin, iron
- Dimensions: Height (Of longest pipe): 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm); Height (Of shortest pipe): 29 in. (73.7 cm)
- Classification: Aerophone-Free Reed-harmonium
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.243
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Thai
19th century
Thai
late 19th century
Thai
late 19th century
Thai
late 19th century
Thai
late 19th century
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