Kantruem Boran is a ‘way of life’, ‘the language of the spirits’ and gives performers and audiences alike pride as a shared cultural memory. Holding an important function in many aspects of life, Kantruem accompanies rituals, rites of passage, as well as promoting social cohesion by diffusing tensions, offering relaxation, and a bridge to the spiritual world.

Kantruem Boran of the ethnic Khmer has ancient roots in the region. Songs which are performed to invite ancestral spirits to protect, heal and bless the living are slow and evocative, encouraging listeners to ‘tune in’. In contrast, other songs are a rowdy and joyful accompaniment to celebrations, such as weddings and house-raising ceremonies. Instruments of the genre include: the tone drums, the fiddle, cymbals, reed oboe and wooden clappers.

These videos are from a Kantruem Boran performance in Choke village, Khwaew Srinarin Village, on August 12, 2013, as well as a performance of another folk music genre, Carieng Bruen, held on August 14, 2013, as part of the ICH and Museums Field School.

		Part 1: Carieng Breun PerformanceBor Un Village, August 14, 2013ICH and Museums Field School Rabiab (Nednang) Buthayothi, Bor Un Village Suphot Misati, Bor Un Village
		Part 2: Traditional Kantruem PerformanceChoke Village, Khwaew Srinarin District, August 12, 2013 ICH and Museums Field School 2013 Wai Khru Ceremony―Paying respects to ancestral spirits of the teachers Musicians Lon Ngamrahong, Choke Village Ping Chingchai, Choke Village Pramuan (Muan) Hongkhwang, Khwaew  Village Nuan Luealam, Na Poh Village Ney Luealam, Na Poh Village Sombat (Yos) Janthuek, Natang Village Mile Chingchai, Choke Village Sanguem Pramuenchai, Na Poh Village Ekaphap (Mani) Phadphon Sangam Prameunchai, Na Poh Village Somchai (Koat) Jandaeng, Natang Village Sanga Luadngern, Rae Village Sitha (Daka) Phuenmuang, Rae Village Manirat Unaiban, Natang Village
		Part 3: Traditional Kantruem Performance (continued) Choke Village, Khwaew Srinarin District, August 12, 2013 ICH and Museums Field School 2013
		Part 4: Traditional Kantruem Performance (continued) Choke Village, Khwaew Srinarin District, August 12, 2013 ICH and Museums Field School 2013
		Part 5: Traditional Kantruem Performance (continued) Choke Village, Khwaew Srinarin District, August 12, 2013 ICH and Museums Field School 2013
		Part 6: Traditional Kantruem Performance (continued) Choke Village, Khwaew Srinarin District, August 12, 2013 ICH and Museums Field School 2013