Page 4 - KHON

WKhhoantโ€™
Khon is a highly-refined performing art
that combines multiple artistic elements: The masked dance performances form part of
musical, vocal, literary, dance, ritual and social practices such as royal cremations,
handicraft. It may have combined features cremations of high-ranking persons or revered
of ancient genres: court ritual, martial art monks, the celebration of sacred sites, birthdays, and
and the shadow play. the opening of new businesses. The practitioners
It tells the story of Ramakien โ€“ the localized also perform a ceremony to honor Khon masters
Thai version of the Ramayana epic. Its of the past, teachers and deities. During this
many episodes depict the life of Rama, his ceremony new members are initiated into the
journey in the forest, his love for his wife community.
Sita, his army of monkeys, the fights
with the army of Thosakan (Ravana),
the king of the demons, and his final
victory. The dancers wear elaborately
embroidered costumes. The demons
and monkeys all wear masks that cover
their entire head. The colors and shapes
of each mask are unique to each character.
The drama is enacted through dancing,
accompanied by a piphat classical
xylophone ensemble, singing, and
narration. Each major type of character
has a distinct mode of dance expression.
The dance postures and movements, the
music and the repertoire have been
handed down from generations since the
15th century.

2 KHON Thailand