Museum of Mankind
A LIVELY QUINTET OF FRENCH INDO-CHINA
Cambodians are passionately fond of music, and possess a variety of wind and stringed instruments. They learn a little of this and a little of that, but all without any set rule or system, and having no written music, their tunes are taught by ear. The more musical will often meet together and repeat their favourite tunes by the hour, steadily chewing betel like ruminant cattle the while {…?}
THE HOUR OF RECREATION FOR THE PUPILS OF THE BONZE
Cambodian boys are taught to read and write by the bonzes of their particular districts, and are obliged to spend a certain period in the monastery, where they wait upon the bonzes and accompany them on formal visits to the surrounding villages. Their heads are shaved in childhood; sometimes a small tuft of hair is left; this ceremony of shaving being regarded as a most important family festival.
TRADITIONAL FIGURES OF CAMBODIA, INDICATIVE OF THE POMP AND POWER OF ITS SOVEREIGN
Despite the heavy drain on Treasury gold, the Khmer dancers, who belong to the harem, are maintained by the king in accordance with Cambodian tradition. The most beautiful women of the kingdom are among their numbers, for if a girl showed promise of great beauty it was thought that in giving her to the king the parents would call down divine protection upon themselves and families, so the children were sent to the palace to fulfil their “brilliant destinies”
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From the incredible The Secret Museum of Mankind.