Info Desk: Sbek Thom
Sbek Thom: The Sacred Shadow
Sbek Thom (literally "Large Hide") is a revered form of Khmer shadow theater that traces its origins back to the pre-Angkorian period. Unlike *Sbek Touch* (small puppetry) which uses articulated puppets to tell varied stories, *Sbek Thom* utilizes massive, static leather panels carved from single cowhides. Some of these panels can reach two meters in height, intricately dyed to create dramatic silhouettes against a screen illuminated by a roaring fire.
A defining constraint of this art form is its repertoire. *Sbek Thom* is exclusively dedicated to performing episodes from the *Reamker*, the Cambodian interpretation of the ancient Indian epic, the *Ramayana*. This limitation highlights its sacred nature; it is not merely entertainment but a moral enactment of the battle between good and evil.
The performance is physically demanding. The puppeteers are not hidden behind a curtain; they perform in front of the screen. They are trained dancers who animate the static leather figures through specific, rhythmic dance steps. The puppeteer essentially becomes one with the character they hold.
Traditionally, performances were rare, serving as a ritualistic invocation performed three or four times a year—such as during the Khmer New Year or the King's birthday—to dedicate merit to the gods. In 2005, UNESCO recognized *Sbek Thom* as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.