ISAN KHAEN: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR TRANSMITTING ART AND CULTURE

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Sitthisak Champadaeng
Sayam Chuangprakhon
Kla Sriphet
Kailurk Sapso

Abstract

This participatory action research aimed to study the Khaen culture, an ancient culture existing until the present time. The objectives of this study were to (1) study the development of the Khaen and its relationship in Isan cultural ways and (2) investigate knowledge management regarding the Khaen as a form of Isan culture. Data from documents and fieldwork were analyzed and presented by means of descriptive analysis. The results are as follows. (1) The Khaen is an instrument existing along the Mekong River basin culture, especially among Thai-Lao ethnic groups. The playing styles have been adapted according to the culture of each era. (2) Regarding knowledge management, the number of the Khaen makers in the studied area has reduced to only four, which is in risk of disappearance. Meanwhile, there are new generations of want to learn Khaen players, but they need to improve their skills. Both the Khaen-making group and the Khaen-playing group, after participating in this project, realize the Khaen’s value and collaborate in systematically keeping teaching and learning to transfer the knowledge and wisdom concerning the Khaen culture. From the activities arranged for the participants, the researchers have compiled sets of knowledge regarding making and playing the Khaen and returned them to the community. In conclusion, the knowledge management concerning the art of making and playing the Khaen helps to transmit these forms of local art and culture to the new generations.

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