King Mongkut, who served as the monarch of Siam (Thailand) between 1851 and 1868, gifted this oboe-type instrument to the United States in 1856. Mongkut also served as the inspiration for the novel "Anna and the King of Siam," which in turn inspired the musical "The King and I."
Musical Instrument: Flute Type
- Notes
- FROM CARD: "BELL AND TUBE ARE OF TURNED WOOD IN TWO PIECES, ONE FITTING INSIDE THE OTHER WITH A SILVER FERRULE FOR REENFORCEMENT. TUBE HAS SEVEN FINGER HOLES AND THUMB HOLE ON OPPOSITE SIDE. THE MOUTHPIECE WHICH APPARENTLY WAS NOT WITH THE ITEM WHEN DR. HAWLEY STUDIED IT, SHOULD BE OF PALM LEAF, WITH A DOUBLE REED, WHICH WOULD MAKE IT AN OBOE-TYPE INSTRUMENT. THERE ONCE WERE EXTRA REEDS. ACCORDING TO ORIGINAL LISTING THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PAIR OF THESE BUT MUSEUM CAT. GIVES NO SUCH INDICATION."
- Illustrated and described in McQuail, Lisa. 1997. "Treasures of Two Nations: Thai Royal Gifts to the United States of America" Smithsonian Institution. p. 128. Identified there as a Javanese-style oboe, Pi chawa.
- Record Last Modified
- 9 Jan 2018
- Specimen Count
- 1
- Data Source
- NMNH - Anthropology Dept.
- Donor Name
- King Maha Mongkut
- Accession Date
- 9 Mar 1859
- Length - Object
- 36.5 cm
- Width - Bell
- 6.7 cm
- Object Type
- Oboe
