The space of gong culture in Central Highlands covers five provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. Masters of this art are
(1) the ethnic people of Bahna, Sedang, M'nong, Coho, Ede, Giarai...
Gongs appear in
(2) the most important events of
(3) the community such as ceremony for babies, weddings, funerals, celebration of new houses, harvests, etc.
Gongs have different sizes with diameter ranging from 20cm to 120cm.
(4) A set of gongs has 2 to 20 units. A gong orchestra consists of 3, 5 or 6 basic sounds and
(5) an additional 12 or more sounds. In most groups, gongs are reserved for males. In Ma and M’nong, both males and females can play
(6) the gongs.
With their plenty, uniqueness and diversity, gongs hold
(7) a special position in Vietnam’s traditional music. That is also a basis leading to
(8) the recognition of the space of gong culture as
(9) a Masterpiece of
(10) the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.