A Study of Karen Music at Ban Huai Kasem, Yang Nam Klat Nuea Sub-district, Nong Ya Plong District, Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study: 1) the knowledge about Karen music, and       2) the role and function of music in Karen culture. Data were collected from Karen music informants at Ban Huai Kasem, Yang Nam Klat Nuea sub-district, Nong Ya Plong district in Phetchaburi province. This study was a qualitative research. The researcher studied preliminary data from related documents.  Data were collected by a field study using interview and observations, and analyzed the content.

The result result revealed that:

1. 1. The knowledge about Karen music consisted of: 1) Music, there were 4 types of Karen music instruments: (1) Sang Thong, (2) Nadoei, (3) Puei, and (4) Tha. 2) Musicians, there were only 2 Karen musicians who could play songs using traditional Karen instruments. First, Mr. Nu Krathong, 86 years old, could play Puei. Second, Mr. Chaichana Sanetibang, 47 years old, could play with both Sang Thong and Nadoei.  3) Songs, most of the songs were related to the way of life, including tales, lullabies. Each song told a story of the community in different aspects, especially love and living.


2. 2. Roles and functions of music in Karen culture, most of them were not involved in the rituals. Karen music used to sing and play for entertainment. It was often played in their free time, except for 2 kinds of musical instruments, Puei and Tha, which were used for the procession in the Wian Sala ceremony. Though the Karen music at Ban Huai Kasem was not as popular as before, musical instruments and songs still represent the Karen’s identity until now.