Go to Tay Ninh to watch drum dance.

The Tay Ninh region boasts many unique intangible cultural heritages, including the Chhay-dăm drum dance – a folk art form of the Khmer people in Truong Tay commune, Hoa Thanh town.

The Chhay-dăm drum dance is closely associated with the traditional culture of the Khmer people, the largest of the 21 ethnic groups residing in Tay Ninh province. According to documented records, the Chhay-dăm drum dance in this region has unique characteristics, distinct from those in some other southern provinces. Around 1953, the late Cambodian Prince Norodom Sihanouk (1922-2012) gifted the Tay Ninh Holy See a set of Khmer musical instruments, including three Chhay-dăm drums.

The drums were originally used only to provide rhythmic accompaniment during religious ceremonies at the temple. Later, drum dances were combined with dragon-horse and unicorn dances. Many families in Truong Tay commune and other communes in Hoa Thanh town previously knew how to perform the Chhay-dam drum dance, including Ms. Cao Thi Thu Loan (born in 1983), who is currently continuing her family's tradition for generations, "keeping the flame" of passion alive and passing on the drum dance skills to younger generations.

In addition, Mr. Tran Van Xen (born in 1957) from Long Tan hamlet, Long Thanh Bac commune, Hoa Thanh town, was recognized as an "Outstanding Artisan" for his performance of folk art (Chhay-dam drum dance in the Cao Dai religion's festival in Tay Ninh).

The number of Chhay-dăm drums in Tay Ninh is increasing, and the drum dance has become more diverse and adapted to suit local tastes. The drum dance is performed on special occasions such as the traditional Chol Chnăm Thmây New Year, the Sen Dolta ancestral worship ceremony, etc.

Mr. Le Minh Tuan, a Chhay-dam drum dance artist (husband of Ms. Cao Thi Thu Loan), said that he and his dance troupe often perform at tourist spots in Tay Ninh or at famous Khmer temples. Mr. Tuan shared that the drums are made from the trunk of old betel palm trees, hollowed out. The large, bulging head is covered with dried buffalo or python skin, while the smaller tail connects to a metal base. A dance performance usually includes 4 to 6 Chhay-dam drums, two Cuol (gongs), along with Chul (cymbals) and Krap (wooden clappers).

Heritage Magazine