Name: Wot.
Type: Aerophones > Flutes > Panflutes.
Hornbostel-Sachs No#: 421.211.12
Specimen: 1 in collection.
Country: Thailand.
Region: South East Asia.

Description: The Wot [RTGS: wot, pronounced as wòːt, also written as Vot] is a circular panpipe used in the traditional music of Laos and the Isan region of northeastern Thailand. It is often a major component in Pong-Lang ensembles.

The wot, a small compact inexpensive and beautifully shaped musical instrument, became one of the musical instruments in Thailand a few decades ago, according to Songsak Pratumsin [Lecturer, College of Dramatic Arts] who invented in 1968.

This wot is used during the harvest season when the farmers have a popular activity called “Wot Throwing Competition”. The one who throws the wot farthest is the winner. The Tail Wot makes two types of noise which are bass and treble, but does not sort into notes nor adjusts the tone playing music. Thus, it is not considered to be a musical instrument.

Varieties: The Tail Swing Wot – The former wot is a device for recreation which is typically not considered to be a professional musical instrument because it functions more as a toy. In the past, this type of wot includes the core, which is made of bamboo stalk that has grown in a proper time.

2. Circular Wot [general] This wot was improved by Songsak Pratumsin by using the main features of the Tail Wot. It produces only five notes, according to the characteristics of the folk pattern.

3. Panel Wot

4. Tail Wot used to play for fun and joyful rhythm and easy to play.

Citations: Bibliography: Websites:

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