Mong people’s Khen art recognised as national intangible cultural heritage

Culture

Mong people’s Khen art recognised as national intangible cultural heritage

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

YBO - The “Khen" (panpine) art of the Mong ethnic group in Mu Cang Chai, Tram Tau and Van Chan districts of Yen Bai province has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage under a decision recently issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

A performance of Khen by Mong people in Suoi Giang, Van Chan district

Khen has been playing an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Mong people in the locality.

It is often played at Mong festivals and New Year celebrations by young Mong men who dance at the same time to show off their strength, sensibility and skills. They learn to play the musical instrument when they are small. Boys often carry a Khen to local terraced fields or market fairs.

At festivals, the melodies of Khen resound over mountains and forests, expressing wishes of the Mong people. Mong men who play the Khen and dance exceptionally well are admired by villagers. At funeral ceremonies, the panpine, on behalf of the living, talks to the soul of the dead. Meanwhile, at wedding parties, it conveys parents’ wishes to their children.

Over the recent years, local authorities have paid special attention to preserving this art form, aiming to promote the cultural identity of the Mong people.

Many Khen performance activities have been organised within local festivals and tourism promotion events.

The recognition has contributed to affirming the cultural value of traditional art in the daily life of the Mong community in Yen Bai province./.

Thanh Vy

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