One indispensable step in making a khen is shaving the bamboo reeds to attach them to the wind chamber. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNAThao A Tua, from Na Hang Tau Hamlet, Pung Luong Commune, Lao Cai Province, has been dedicated to the khen since the early 1980s. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNATo make the khen pipes, craftsmen must select straight, beautiful bamboo stalks, dry them thoroughly, and then assemble them with the main body of the instrument. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNAThe most challenging step in making a khen is cutting the brass reeds, which requires meticulous precision to ensure each note and tone is accurate. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNAThe final crucial step is attaching the brass reeds to the bamboo pipes. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNAThe khen is deeply rooted in Mong life, not only carrying spiritual significance but also embodying rich cultural and artistic identity. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNAA Mong artisan tying off the ends of the khen during the crafting process. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNAThe most demanding part of khen crafting is cutting the brass reed, which must be done with extreme care and accuracy to ensure tonal quality. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNAA critical step determining the khen’s sound is selecting and tuning the brass reeds. Artisans must carefully test the tone before attaching them to the bamboo pipes. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNA
Unique art of crafting Mong people’s pan-pipe in Lao Cai
For the Mong ethnic people in the mountainous areas of Lao Cai, the khen (a traditional reed pipe) is an essential and distinctive musical instrument deeply embedded in community cultural life. The craft of making the khen has become an important traditional profession, preserved and promoted by the Mong people to both domestic and international visitors. Photo: Tuan Anh – VNA
