Khon is a traditional Thai masked dance, with a history that dates back hundreds of years. It employs many types of arts including drama, dance, pantomime, and music. The costumes are elaborate, including decorated headdresses and masks covering the entire head.
The word Kohn is derived from the Pali term “kla” or “kola”, which is a tuned two-faced drum that provides the rhythm for dancers. Later on, the performance became centered on the glorification of Lord Rama, the seventh form of Vishnu. The epic Ramayana recounts Lord Rama's story, as Indian influences spread in Southeast Asia, where the tale became popular among the ruling class.
Each country came up with its interpretation of the tale, with Thailand's version being titled Ramakien (Glory of Lord Ram). Ramayana theatre became popular throughout the region. Among those involved were the Thai Khon, Burmese Yama Zatdaw, Cambodian Lakhon Khol, and Laotian Phra Lak Phra Lam. Lord Rama is closely associated with the monarchy. The Khon dance was originally performed on special occasions such as royal cremations and ordinations. Later it became popular and served as an entertainment source.
A unique feature of Khon is the elaborate masks the performers wear. All Khon masks are considered sacred. In religious ceremonies, the masks are placed on decorated altars and used as representations of divinities. They depict the four main categories of characters – phra (lords), nang (ladies), yak (ogres), and ling (monkeys).
A performer must wear the khon masks carefully and reverently before putting them on. It is believed that the performer then enters a state of trance while dancing with the masks on. This performance involves elements of musical, vocal, literary, dance, ritual, and handicraft.
Khon performances – which involve graceful movements, songs, and instrumental renditions – are performed to show the glory of Rama, the incarnation of Vishnu who brings order and justice to the world. The episodes depict Rama's life, such as his journey in the forest, the army of monkeys, and battles with the army of Thosakan.
A strong didactic function of Khon can be seen in its performance as a dramatic performance, allowing it to be viewed and appreciated by spectators with different social backgrounds. Khon represents high art cultivated by the Siamese/Thai courts over decades, promoting respect for those of higher age and status, mutual dependencies between leaders and followers, and the triumph of good over evil.
Traditional Khon was taught in the royal or princely courts and the households of dance masters. Today, however, transmission takes place mostly in educational institutions, while keeping to the traditional methods. Efforts are made to ensure the continuity of the practice by establishing training and performance clubs, which reach out to young people.