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Danses des Cambodgiennes

 Collection
Identifier: Film Collection no. 169

Scope and Contents

This film was given to the AMNH by the estate of Anne Morgan, J. P. Morgan's youngest child. This is probably one of several French Government films which she owned. In this film, the Royal Cambodian Ballet performs a traditional dance on an elaborate covered patio. With articulated fingers and hyper-extended elbows, the female dancers create postures said to be similar to stone-relief sculptures on the walls of Angkor Wat. The dancers wear silk costumes, which they have been sewn into (a two to three hour process), and elaborate jewelry. A piphat (orchestra) accompanies the dancers; men play a roneat (a circle of brass gongs) and a tro-u (a stringed instrument with a soundbox made from a coconut). Before 1970, the Royal Cambodian Ballet was the personal property of the royal family of Cambodia. Young dancers from the upper classes were selected for the troupe by the king. Once chosen, they lived in a dormitory with their instructors and other dancers.

Dates

  • [1930?]

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Not available through interlibrary loan. Contact AMNH Library Special Collections for terms of access.

Extent

1 Film Reel (6 minutes) : silent, black and white ; 35 mm.

1 Videocassette (U-Matic (6 minutes)) : silent, black and white ; 3/4 in.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

3/4 in., U-Matic, viewing copy

General

Original format: 35 mm. negative; incomplete.

General

http://libcat1.amnh.org/record=b1140410

General

French Government, producer.

Title
Danses des Cambodgiennes, [1930?]
Author
Iris Lee
Date
2018
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library Repository

Contact:
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West
New York NY 10024 USA
(212) 769-5420