Cambodia
Khmer people

Metal strings, bamboo, gourd, rattan
Mid 20th century
Full Length: 25.3 in; Length of pegs: 4.4 in; Width of tube: 2.25 in; Diameter of gourd: 9.75 in
Chordophones – Zithers – Tube

The kong ring (gung treng) is a traditional Cambodian tube zither of the Khmer people as well as the ethnic minorities.  It is played as both an entertainment instrument or to accompany singing.  This kong ring consists of 11 metal strings, a resonator tube of bamboo and a gourd.  The strings attached to the wooden pegs at one end, run along the outside of the tube, lengthwise, over a looped braided rattan bridge just past the gourd at the opposite end.  The strings are played by plucking with the index fingers and thumbs on both hands.  Originally, the strings were peeled from the bamboo resonator, and the gourd may have also been added; used now as a way to stabilize the instrument as it is held against the chest or on the lap.  Variants of the kong ring can be found in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Madagascar and the Philippines.