The Ching in the Cultural Life of the Xơđăng People in Vietnam

This chapter delves into an in-depth study of the various sets of chings (ching) within the cultural life of the Xơđăng people, who have long (since the beginning of the last century) resided on the eastern slopes of the majestic Trường Sơn mountain range in the northwestern part of Quảng Ngãi province. The discussion will go about the following: the three-piece ching set (including regular ching and khung ching); the four-piece can ching set; the six-piece năng ching set; the seven-piece ching set; the h’lênh ching set (with configurations of 8, 9, 10, 12–15 pieces); and a number of Xơđăng ching compositions (that are later dated). Through this, the chapter will address organological issues, scientific parameters concerning the shape and size of each ching set; the naming conventions of each ching in the sets; as well as the function, performance environment, and repertoire of ching in the life of the Xơđăng community.