Weapon Handling Principles of Khon's Male Protagonist in Ramakien

Abstract

“Weapon Handling Principles of Khon's Male Protagonist in Ramakien" aimed to study the origin and types of weapons used as the main prop in Khon performance, as well as the principles and methods of weapon handling found in Ramakien, the Khon performance by the Fine Arts Department. Data was collected from academic documentation, interviews, observation, participation in the training with the national artist who is the expert in male protagonist dance, as well as accumulation of researcher’s personal experience in teaching and performing the role of Khon's male protagonist for more than 17 years at Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Ministry of Culture.

The results showed that the origin of weapon’s types was derived from Ramakien literature, mural paintings and sculpture of gods according to Hindu beliefs, as well as the imitation of real weapons, recreated to be suitable for Khon performance. The types of weapons can be divided into 3 types: 1.Short-ranged weapons, 2.Long-ranged weapons, 3.Special weapons. The principles of weapon handling were as follows. Weapon holding - consisted of 7 characteristics: 1.Grasping, 2.Pinching, 3.gripping between fingers, 4.Gripping with palms, 5.Pressing in two hands, 6.Holding with Lor Kaew posture, and 7.Holding with Cheeb posture. Weapon handling used in Khon performance consisted of weapon handling in Na Phat dance; weapon handling in fight scene; weapon handling in scripts; weapon handling for carrying purpose; placing, receiving, and passing weapons. This included the styles of holding weapons at various levels and positions, as well as techniques for weapon handling in the dance, which can be used as a guideline for the accurate and beautiful performance.