Music in the Ancestral Spirit Ritual of the Tai-Kaleng Community in Ban Kut Hat, Kud Bak District, Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

This academic article aims to explore the role of music in the ancestral spirit ritual (Phi Poo Ta) of the Tai-Kaleng community in Ban Kut Hat, Kud Bak District, Sakon Nakhon Province. The research focuses on the significance of music in the ritual and its impact on the community's beliefs and cultural identity. A qualitative approach was employed, incorporating field observations, in-depth interviews, and cultural analysis. The findings reveal that music plays a crucial role in creating the sacred atmosphere of the ritual. Key instruments include the khaen (reed mouth organ), drum (klong tum), and cymbals (chaeng), which are performed in specific rhythms and melodies, such as the "Lai Phi Mor" (Spirit Healer Tune), to enhance communal engagement and spiritual communication with ancestral spirits. Additionally, music fosters unity and participation within the community, especially during the Bai Sri Su Kwan (blessing ceremony) and traditional games associated with the ritual. This study highlights the role of music as a cultural tool for preserving and transmitting Tai-Kaleng heritage across generations.