Object Name: Khon Mask
Object Type: Theatre performance mask
Materials: Papier-mâché, plaster, wood, lacquer, gold leaf, paint, fabric ornament
Dimensions: Approx. height 25–40 cm; circumference 60–70 cm (varies by character)
Culture Origin: Thai classical court culture
Inscriptions: Some masks inscribed with maker’s marks or royal seal
Exhibition: Permanent displays at the Bangkok National Museum; featured in international touring exhibitions (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition, 2018)
Condition: Excellent (restored and preserved); fragile due to papier-mâché
Conservation History: Periodic restoration by Thai mask-making guilds; replicas made for performance while originals preserved
Preservation Status: Stable (fragile, requires climate control)
Preservation History: Restored and re-gilded for ceremonial purposes; ongoing training of new artisans ensures continuity
Retention Policy: Permanent cultural heritage collection
Archival Location: Bangkok National Museum, National Theatre of Thailand
Backup Status: Digital archives and photography
Parent Collection: Thai Traditional Performing Arts Collection
Sub Collections: Khon Theatre; Ramakien Artifacts
Related Items: Khon costumes, Ramakien manuscripts, Thai musical instruments
Accessibility Features: On permanent public display; high-resolution online photos available
Accessibility Compliance: Digital collections partially WCAG compliant
Copyright Status: In Copyright (Thai cultural heritage)
Copyright Holder: Fine Arts Department of Thailand
License Terms: Reproduction requires approval
Jurisdiction: Thailand
Cultural Significance: Central to Khon, Thailand’s royal masked dance-drama, regarded as a pinnacle of Thai performing arts.
Cultural Context: Masks represent deities, demons, and animal characters in Ramakien; used in rituals, court ceremonies, and state-sponsored performances. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2018).
Access Statistics: Popular among art historians, performers, and tourists
Citation Information: Bangkok National Museum. “Khon Masks.” Fine Arts Department of Thailand.
User Feedback: Highly admired for craftsmanship and symbolic artistry; considered national treasures
Educational Use: Used in performing arts, Southeast Asian theatre, anthropology, and material culture studies
Curriculum Alignment: University courses in Theatre, Dance, Southeast Asian Studies.
Learning Objectives: 1.Identify the artistic and symbolic features of Khon masks. 2.Understand the relationship between material culture and performance in Thai traditions.
