Kammu (Khmu') guards : group

Photographer

Halpern, Joel M. (Joel Martin), 1929-

Date

• 1957

Summary

• The Kammu (Khmu') accompanying the monks are providing music by beating on hollow bamboo tubes. This slide shows the joint participation of three distinct groups in the Lao New Year ceremony. The Kammu ceremonial guards represent, in part, the legitimacy of the kingdom since they are regarded as the original inhabitants of Laos. Although they had low status in the overall social hierarchy, they were an integral part of royal ceremonies. The presence of the Buddhist monks with their yellow robes represents the union of religion and state. Finally, on the right, are the royal officials in their formal dress representing the political component of state power.