Inside the “Khon” activity room
Discover the knowledge space that visitors of all ages are invited to explore and learn about Thailand’s oldest dance form
By Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Stamps of khon masksQueen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
“Khon” activity room
Khon, one of the Thailand’s oldest narrative dance forms, dramatizes the Ramakien, Thailand’s best-known work of classical literature, which is one of several versions of the great Indian epic poem the Ramayana. In this room you will learn about the elements of a modern Khon performance including the characters, staging, dance positions, costumes and their decoration, and the color of Khon Marks, which will stimulate a better understanding of Khon and an interest in conserving this unique Thai art form.
In this room you will learn about the elements of a modern Khon performance including the characters, staging,
dance positions, costumes and their decoration, and the color of Khon Marks, which will stimulate a better understanding of Khon and an interest in conserving this unique Thai art form.
Khon Performance
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has long recognized the importance of cultural hetitage as living proof of national identity. Her encouragement of khon has led to the revitalization of the arts of costuming, traditional theatrical makeup, dance positions, and modern staging, as well as the recruitment of new performers each year. Royal khon performances are produced by The SUPPORT Foundation.
The color of Khon Marks
There are many characters in each story, every one of which must have a mask or makeup with distinctive features, motifs, designs and colors. Further, the facial color for each character is prescribed by tradition.
The color of Khon MasksQueen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Let’s match the right color to the right mask.
Phra Satarud / Light Purple
Another of Phra Ram's half-brothers
Sida / White
Tosakanth's daughter and Phra Ram's wife
Tosakanth / Deep Green
King and Supreme Commander of the Lanka's army
Nilapat / Dark Sepia
A commander in Phra Ram's army
Kesaradamala / Light Yellow
One of the 18 Monkey warriors
Vimon / Black
One of the 18 monkey warriors
Coloring Khon Costumes
The elements of Khon costume include elaborate headdresses, special accessories, and beautiful textiles. The coloring Khon Costumes is one of the activities in activity room at Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, which you can color your Khon costume and and clearly understand about the elements of Khon costume.
Dressing up in Khon Costume
Khon costumes have been inspired by their dress worn by members of the royal family for important rituals. Further, each character wears a long-sleeve top in a distinctive color corresponding to his skin as described in the epic. The brocade trousers are usually in a color complementary to the top. This activity you can try on Khon costumes.
Stamps of Khon Masks
Each Khon mask can tell the audience who a character is. For example, god, devil or monkey. The activity room “Khon” will help you understand more about the character in Khon.
Pantira Suwansatit
Thanwin Kamyeam
Ovation Studio Co., Ltd.
Friendonsite Co., Ltd.
