Khāēn

Unknown

late 19th century · Wood, skin, iron · Musical Instruments

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood, skin, iron

Culture

Thai or Burmese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889