Abstract:
This research is a study on "Kheng", a kind of musical instrument of reed organ in Homong ethnic group. The stud is done in Tombon Khek-Noi, AMphor Khao Khor, Petchaboor Province. The research is a qualitative research. Studying on Kheng's physical characteristics, its sound systems, the way how to make a Kheng, and study the roles of Kheng in Homng culture and society. The research revealed that the "Kheng" (Homng musical instrument) is in a family of aerophone. It has six tones. The first (F4) is far from the sixth (F6) about on octave apoart. The physical characteristic of the Kheng has 3 parts : a bottle, a tune of six pipes, and a brass tongue. The making of Kheng of uncle Kapaw Sirikulpaisan, begins from providing the materials, preparing them, and making the Kheng. Making a Kheng requires many experiences and many practices, especially making a brass tongue in order to have the sound as we want. Good sound of a Kheng means that the Kheng can provide excellennt sound imitating Hmong speech. The important roles of Kheng in Homs culture and society are that it shows and identity of Hmong ethic group. More that that, we can see the role of art and ethics, ther role of traditional rituals, uniting Hmong people, economic role, ther role in kin systems, the role in education and socialization, the roles in leterature and communication, the role of entertainment and courting, and the role Kheng in social and cultural changes.