Ném Khòn (throwing the Khòn ball) is a traditional folk game of the Thái ethnic people, typically played during early-year festivals to pray for a bountiful harvest and the flourishing of all living things.
Thái women often make the Khòn ball using scraps of fabric cut into square pieces, each side measuring about 18cm. The four corners are folded diagonally inward, and the inside is stuffed with cotton or rice grains.
Normally, a Khòn ball has about 4 to 8 segments, but skilled artisans can craft Khòn balls with 12 segments, each displaying vibrant and diverse colors.
The Khòn rope is sewn from fabric and is about half an arm’s length. One end is attached to the center of the square-shaped Còn ball. The tassels of the Còn are made from colorful fabric scraps and are affixed to the four corners of the ball as well as alternately along the rope, creating a dragon-like image. This symbolizes faith and hope for prosperity and happiness.
At Nhà Của Bin, visitors have the chance to learn how to make a Khòn ball, guided meticulously by Thái women themselves. This offers a fascinating insight into the cultural life of Vietnam’s highland regions.
