Mouth organ
Vernacular Name
- Gaeng
- Qeej
Makerby
Hmong People
Date1950-1975 ca.
Place MadeLaos, Asia
Place MadeThailand, Asia
Serial No.none
SignednoneMarkingsnone
DescriptionThe gaeng or qeej is among the most important instruments in Hmong culture. It is said the sound is like speech; the players like storytellers. Like other mouth organs, each reed can produce sound on both exhale and inhale. Blow and draw, it is sometimes called. The wooden wind chamber holds each pipe with its reeds in place, here sealed with black wax or sap.
It is referred to both as gaeng and qeej, depending upon language and tradition nuances associated with the Hmong diaspora in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The gaeng is often played to accompany dancing in all manner of ritual and profound life changes, like weddings and funerals.
DimensionsHeight: 36 in
Width: 24 in
Depth: 5 in
ProvenancePurchased from H. M. Lissauer, Melbourne, Australia, 1983.
Credit LineBoard of Trustees, 1983
Object number03319
On View
On view
1885-1899 ca.
