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Mouth organ
Vernacular name:Gaeng
Vernacular name:Qeej
Maker: by Hmong People
Date: 1950-1975 ca.
Place Made:Laos, Asia
Place Made:Thailand, Asia, northern region
Serial No: none
Signednone
Markingsnone
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.
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
Width: 24 in
Depth: 5 in
ProvenancePurchased from H. M. Lissauer, Melbourne, Australia, 1983.
Terms
Credit Line: Board of Trustees, 1983
On view
Object number: 03319