Study of the Cultural Patterns of Local Mon Dance Performances: 12 Songs (Pua Ha Peun), Koh Kret Subdistrict, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to study the cultural patterns of the local performance of the 12-song Mon dance (Pua Ha Pern) of the Mon community in Ko Kret, Nonthaburi Province, in the context of contemporary society, in order to preserve the knowledge of traditional Mon dance performance. Pua Ha Pern is the name of a set of Mon-language songs that determine the accompanying dance movements, comprising a total of 12 songs. The study employed a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected from documents and related research, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions with 20 local wisdom teachers and individuals knowledgeable about Mon culture. The findings revealed that the 12-song Mon dance, or “Pua Ha Pern,” is a performing art of Thai people of Mon descent that has been transmitted for a long period of time. Ko Kret Mon dance can be classified into two main forms: traditional Ko Kret Mon dance and contemporary Ko Kret Mon dance. Both forms are related to the way of life, beliefs, rituals, and the performance of the Piphat Mon ensemble. As the social context changed, the performance form was reduced from 12 songs to seven songs, namely Songs 1–7, in order to suit the duration and the context of present-day audiences. The discussion found that 1) the reduction in the number of songs reflects adaptation to contemporary society while maintaining important elements of the original culture; 2) the present performance form emphasizes balance, unity, and harmony among rhythm, music, and dance movements, with a performance duration of approximately 7–10 minutes; and 3) Mon dance performance continues to have value in the context of death rituals and reflects the performing arts, musical, and Mon ethnic identities of the Ko Kret community. Therefore, it should be preserved, transmitted, and developed as local performing arts knowledge for future generations.