CULTURE
Cambodian
culture and artistic expression were overshadowed by the greatness
of the past. Although the Khmer empire owed much to Indian influence,
its achievements represented original contributions to Asian civilization.
The magnificent architecture and sculpture of the Angkor period
(802–1432), as seen in the temple complexes at Angkor Wat
and Angkor Thom (see photograph), marked the apex of Khmer creativity.
Following the capture of Angkor by the Thai (15th century) and
the crumbling of the empire, the region underwent four centuries
of foreign invasions, civil war, and widespread depopulation.
It was not until the establishment of the French protectorate
in 1863 that internal security was restored, the country's borders
were stabilized, and efforts were undertaken to revive traditional
Khmer art forms
At
varying times, Cambodian culture also absorbed Javanese, Chinese,
and Thai influences. Between the 9th and 15th centuries, a prosperous
and powerful empire flourished in northwestern Cambodia. The Khmer
kingdom of Angkor, named for its capital city, dominated much
of what is now Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The kingdom drew its
religious and political inspiration from India. The literary language
of the court was Sanskrit; the spoken language was Khmer. Massive
temples from this period, including Angkor Wat and the Bayon at
Angkor Thum, testify to the power of Angkor and the grandeur of
its architecture and decorative art. The unparalleled achievements
in art, architecture, music, and dance during this period served
as models for later cultural development in Cambodia.
Music
occupied a dominant place in traditional Cambodian culture. It
was sung and played everywhere—by children at play, by adults
at work, by young men and women while courting—and invariably
was part of the many celebrations and festivals that took place
throughout the year at Buddhist temples in the rural countryside.
Instruments used in full orchestras included xylophones with wooden
or metal bars, one- and two-stringed violins, wooden flutes, oboes,
and drums of different sizes. The players followed the lead of
one instrument, usually the xylophone, and improvised as they
wished.
