In the refugee camps, obtaining the materials necessary for creating traditional dance costumes was challenging. However, Cambodians managed to resourcefully piece together what they needed to revive their cultural traditions within the camps. In this photo, Jennifer Diep proudly poses in the dress for the Robam Tep Monorom Dance or Happiness Dance of the Gods/Goddesses. This dance is considered one of the most beautiful in the classical repertoire. The picture was taken at Kamput Refugee Camp between January and February 1981, just before the family’s departure for the Philippine processing center, their final stop before resettlement.
Sithy Yi (right), sits on an Ang Rut, a bell-shaped bamboo fishing trap, while Chheansreng Ngiv, hands her a flower. This duet version of the folk dance, Robam Nesat (Fishing Dance), was part of revitalization dance at the Kamput Refugee Camp between January and February 1981.
This picture was taken in Khao-I-Dang, a refugee camp along the Thai-Cambodian border. The young woman was a part of the effort by Cambodians to revitalize traditional dance and other cultural practices in the camps.
During a wedding, the bride and groom’s hair is symbolically cut in the Kat Sak (Hair cutting) wedding ceremony to represent a fresh start. Relatives and friends take turns cutting the hair of the bride and groom to cleanse the couple in preparation for their new life together and to bestow blessings of good fortune, happiness, prosperity, and longevity.
The couple smiles with hands respectfully clasped in sompeah as they prepare for the Kat Sak ceremony, symbolically cleansing themselves in preparation for their new life. Relatives and friends take turns symbolically cutting the hair and cleansing the couple. (Courtesy of Independent Press-Telegram, November 5, 1989. Photographer: Peggy Peattie)
