E07 - Hear & Found, “Earthsong: Indigenous Harmony from Thailand (Nature soundscape from rotation farming at Maeporkee community)”

Hear & Found (Thailand)
“Earthsong: Indigenous Harmony from Thailand (Nature soundscape from rotation farming at Maeporkee community)” (2024)

Recorded in the Maeporkee community in Tak province, Northern Thailand, this soundscape captures a significant aspect of the Karen people's traditional way of life: rotational farming, a method rooted in regenerative nature and sustainability. Rotational farming involves the Karen people collectively selecting a communal plot of land for rice cultivation. Before commencing, they perform a ritual to seek permission from Mother Earth. Once granted, they clear the vegetation and prepare the land, planting seasonal vegetables like chilli, coriander, squash, etc. Around mid-year, they cultivate rice, with the harvest typically occurring in November. These crops sustain their families for the entire year. Afterwards, the land is left fallow for three to seven years, with the community returning only to pay respects to the land. This cyclical method naturally produces organic food without chemicals, embodying principles of regenerative agriculture.

The Karen people allow plants to grow seasonally and harvest what the season provides, refraining from controlling or harming any living organisms, showcasing a deep understanding of ecological balance. Unfortunately, this traditional knowledge is fading in many Karen communities due to land rights issues, a decline in younger generations continuing the practice, climate change, and the rapid advancement of agricultural technology. There is a concern that this harmonious and sustainable method of living and producing organic food may disappear someday.

Deeply impressed by the Karen people’s dedication to preserving this agricultural method for themselves and future generations, the Hear & Found team recorded this soundscape on the morning of September 2024, during the lush green field season before the harvest. In this track, listeners can immerse themselves in the natural sounds of birds chirping, the gentle breeze, and the rustling of the rice field as it sways in the wind, a testament to their sustainable way of life. This soundscape is one of four soundscapes from their Earthsong series, which interweaves sounds of natural environments and music and song from the Karen and Karen Pwo groups. 




Hear & Found,
a sound collective co-founded by Thai artists Ms. Sirasar Boonma and Ms. Pansita Sasirawuth, was established in Thailand in 2018. Driven by a passion for amplifying marginalized voices, primarily within Thailand, the team creates immersive installations and field recordings to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding. Their work centers on ethical collaboration with indigenous communities, preserving unique soundscapes and musical traditions. Focusing on sustainability and cultural identity, Hear & Found blends artistic innovation with social impact. They document and share often-overlooked sonic narratives, promoting empathy and awareness. In these six years, their projects have created accessible platforms and reached more than 250,000 people worldwide, working with more than seven ethnic groups and involving over a hundred individuals from these ethnic groups, ensuring that indigenous voices and their rich cultural heritage are heard and celebrated by contemporary audiences.