Weapons of Prom Pong Demon Role Appeared in the Script of Khon Performance of the Fine Arts Department

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study weapon of Prompong Giants in Ramayana, composed by King Rama I, and to study techniques in performing Khon with weapons of Prompong Giants as written in the script belonging to the Fine Arts Department. This qualitative research was conducted by documentary review, interview and participating observation. The research found that the weapons of all 1,043 Prompong Giants could be divided into 16 kinds, however, only 5 kinds were found in the script of the Fine Arts Department. Techniques in performing with weapons indicated that performers should select suitable weapon in terms of its size compared to the performer’s body. There were 13 ways of holding weapon for
performance divided by postures of the arm: curling, stretching, bending and rotating the lower part of the arm. Techniques in throwing discus, throwing spear and rotating weapons were skills that needed time to practice to perfection.