The art of making Khon masks is regarded as the most difficult of all craft techniques. To make a Khon mask requires various skills like modeling, carving, sculpturing, painting, lacquering and gilding. Before making a mask, one needs to perform the 'paying respect to teachers' ceremony, in which an instructor holds a student's hand to draw a 'kanok' (Thai decorative patterns) for the auspiciousness of the student's study

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CENTRE OF KHON MASK MAKING AT SAPHAN MAI COMMUNITY

Khon is a branch of traditional theatre in which the performers wear masks called "Hua Khon" or Khon heads. They usually perform scenes from Ranmakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana epic.

Khon mask-making has been carried on by National Artist Louis Youngkiewsod, for generations. The famity were all khon and puppet show players who made and repaired their own costumes. When the popularity of traditional shows gave way to more modern entertainments, the family changed to making khon masks to sell as decoration and gifts