NMM 1260. Khaen baet, Lao people, northeast Thailand, mid-20th century. A free-reed instrument with eight pairs of bamboo tubes (the longest measuring 88 cm), set into a hardwood windchest and sealed with a wax secreted by an indigenous, wasp-like insect. Each tube contains a brass reed that is activated when a finger hole above the windchest is stopped. The khaen is played both monophonically and polyphonically; it can be used as a solo instrument or to accompany singing. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.