Gongs – Echoes of Central Highlands Forests & Mountains

Generations of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands have used gongs to convey their innermost sentiments and communicate with their deities. The Central Highlands gong culture spreads across 5 provinces – Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. The musical instrument has been practiced by Ba Na, E De, Co Tu, M’Nong and Gia Rai ethnic groups. The gong cultural space was recognized as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005. M’Nong people in Jun hamlet, Lak district, Dak Lak province play gongs at a ceremony to pray for the health of their elephants. Gia Rai people play gongs at a grave-leaving ceremony. Folk artisans from the Central Highlands play gongs at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi. (english.vietnamnet.vn June 12)