Sovanna Phum Art Association is a shadow puppet theatre company based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Sovanna Phum, which means ‘Golden Village’ in Khmer, was founded in 1993 by self-taught puppet maker Mann Kosal and French circus performer Delphine Kasam. The group performs two forms of traditional shadow puppetry, Sbek Thom and Sbek Touch. They also conduct regular training and education programmes on shadow puppet making and performing.
Depicted at the centre of this puppet is Preah Leak, the half-brother of prince Preah Ream. He is standing atop an ornately carved and decorated horse-drawn chariot. He is dressed in a princely manner, with precious stones decorating his expensive garments and a mokot or a tall carved traditional Cambodian headwear on top of his head. In his left hand is a bow and arrow, his weapon of choice. His chin is held high, gesturing at his confidence and bravery as he leads members of his army, one of whom is riding a horse alongside his chariot.
