Vietnam

H’mong people

Wood, bamboo, metal
Early 20th century
Length: 49 in, Height: 30 in
Aerophones – Free Aerophones – Free Reeds

This khen (qeej, gaeng, mouth organ) is a free reed aerophone that came from the Hmong people in Vietnam.  It includes five tubes of different length and diameter, each with a metal reed set.  They are tied together and set into a carved wooden windchest.  A vertical mouthpiece is inserted through the wind chest.  The khen (qeej, gaeng) is popular in the music of H’mong (Mong, Meo, Miao) people of northern Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. It is considered a sacred instrument and is played at funerals and spirit rituals.