Mekong River: Connecting Cultures
odd: label: Introduction
content: More than 60 million people live in the Mekong basin - speakers of at least a hundred languages. Some of the region's ethno-linguistic groups, such as the Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese, number in the tens of millions, while others have populations of only a hundred or so people. Their livelihoods are as diverse as their ethnicities: the Mekong region includes tiny mountain villages of a dozen households, where people eke out a living from hillside rice fields, and densely populated plains and deltas, where the river's waters flow into rice paddies that are harvested three times annually. But the region also includes bustling modern cities of a million or more people and industries ranging from rubber plants and textile factories to high-tech production facilities. Unparalleled in the diversity of its fisheries, the Mekong region is not only the rice bowl of Asia, but also its fish basket.

How to introduce this huge, diverse, and complex region to visitors at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival? How to select some two hundred people to represent tens of millions? How best to give Festival visitors a sense of the challenging cultural choices that confront the Mekong region and its inhabitants at the beginning of the twenty-first century? And how to mobilize the support of governments, funders, researchers, and communities to make the whole effort possible? These were the questions facing Smithsonian experts and their Mekong counterparts as planning for the Festival began in 2004.

A unique and complex process of collaborative planning brought together a network of regional experts who shaped the program over several years in a series of consultative meetings, training workshops, and review sessions, made possible in large part by the Rockefeller Foundation. Their first task was to identify several themes that would guide the research, planning, and participant selection and would later help Festival visitors gain a coherent sense of this vast and complicated region.

The first theme was that of the Mekong River itself - of water as the sustainer of life. The second theme examined rivers and water as the focus of shared symbolic meanings and artistic expressions for the peoples of the Mekong region. The third theme considered the Mekong and its tributaries not only as channels of communication and commerce, but also, in places, as daunting barriers that inhibited contacts between neighbors. Finally, the fourth theme took up the tremendous diversity - geographic, environmental, ethnic, and cultural - that characterizes the Mekong region. Throughout, the organizers and several dozen Mekong-region researchers, who carried out the fieldwork leading to the Festival, were guided by the fundamental understanding that certain core cultural values were shared among the peoples of the Mekong region, despite the great diversity of their languages, religions, and histories.

Visitors to The Mekong River: Connecting Cultures program could not hear the sounds of cocks crowing to welcome the rising sun or of kites singing to chase away the clouds. They did not smell the pungent fumes of burning gunpowder as rockets in the shape of nagas lofted skyward to ensure sufficient rain or the heady odors of fish fermenting in pots to make Cambodian prahok, Lao pha daek, or Vietnamese mam ca. They could not view the pockets of fog settling into Yunnan mountain passes in the morning sun, the flood waters stretching from one horizon to the other at the end of the rainy season, or the verdant green of rice paddies as far as the eye can see. But Festival organizers were confident that the two hundred musicians, singers, cooks, craftspeople, ritual specialists, and dancers who came to the banks of the Potomac from the banks of the Mekong were, nevertheless, able to give visitors a sense of the region and its remarkable people.

For the Smithsonian, James Deutsch, Richard Kennedy, Frank Proschan, and Lan-Lan Wang constituted the Curatorial Team; Arlene Reiniger was Program Coordinator; Kim Stryker was Family Learning Sala Coordinator; Steven Prieto was Pu'er Teahouse Coordinator; and Jane Griffiths was Marketplace Consultant. The Cambodia Curatorial Team included H.E. Samraing Kamsan, Sam-Ang Sam, and Suon Bun Rith; Suon Bun Rith also served as Program Coordinator. The China-Yunnan Steering Committee included Yan Youqiong, Zheng Ming, Fan Jianhua, Yang Fuquan, Xie Mohua, Zhou Yunxiang, and Dai Shiping. Jin Qiang was Lead Coordinator; Leng Yunping and Ma Yinghui were Coordinators; and Jiang Weili, Wang Jun, and Yang Hongwen were Assistant Coordinators. The Laos Curatorial and Coordinating Team included Chanthaphilith Chiemsisouraj, Kanha Sikounnavong, Khammanh Siphanxay, Outtala Vanyouveth, and Souriyanh Sisaengrat. The Thailand Curatorial, Steering, and Coordinating Team included Paritta Chalermpow Koanantakool, Suvanna Kriengkraipetch, Chewasit Boonyakiet, Sareeya Boontum, and Somrak Chaisingananont. The Vietnam Coordinating Team included Dang Van Bai, Le Thi Minh Ly, Le Hong Ly, Luu Tran Tieu, Ngo Duc Thinh, Nguyen Chi Ben, Nguyen Van Huy, and To Ngoc Thanh; and the Vietnam Curatorial Team was Nguyen Kim Dung, Nguyen Duc Tang, and Pham Cao Quy.

The program was produced in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand, the People's Government of Yunnan Province of the People's Republic of China, the Ministry of Information and Culture of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and in collaboration with Aid to Artisans, Amrita Performing Arts, China Yunnan International Culture Exchange, Connecticut College, and the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre. Major donors included the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Henry Luce Foundation. Additional donors and supporters included the McKnight Foundation, American Express, the Asian Cultural Council, and the Smithsonian Women's Committee. Additional funding came from the Henry J. Fox Trust and Refugees International.
label: Researchers
content: Research trainers

Chanthaphilith Chiemsisouraj, Charlie Weber, Chavivan Prachuabmoh, Cynthia Vidaurri, Frank Proschan, Nguyen Truong Giang, Paritta Chalermpow Koanantakool, Richard Kennedy, Sam-Ang Sam, Stephen Kidd, Suriya Smutkupt, Suvanna Kriengkraipetch

Researchers

Amphaka Mata, Anachanh Soukanya, Anupap Sakulngam, Bui Phat Diem, Bui Thi Phuong Mai, Chanvit Tiraprasert, Chewasit Boonyakiet, Dang Kim Quy, Dang Van Hung, Fan Jianhua, Hoang Huang, Huang Yindan, Jiang Weili, Jin Qiang, Kanha Sikounnavong, Khammay Thavivanh, Khampheng Soulignavong, Korakot Boonlop, Lan-Lan Wang, Leng Yunping, Lu Van Hoi, Ma Yinghui, Mai My Duyen, Mok Ravi, Mourn Sopheap, Nguyen Dinh To, Nguyen Duc Tang, Nguyen Minh Tam, Nguyen Thi Thu Huang, Nguyen Van Thien, Nguyen Xuan Hoanh, Oudom, Outtala Vanyouveth, Panita Sarawasee, Phal Pisey, Pham Cao Quy, Pham Quoc Vinh, Phan Thanh Bang, Phengsavanh Vongchandy, Phoeurn Revant, Phoukhong Kinglattana, Prak Born, Prak Sokhorn, Prak Sonnara, Sam-Ang Sam, Sareeya Boontham, Sarinya Khammuang, Soem Chhayarith, Sirinut Khutaka, Sivilay Chanthavong, Som Phrasayamonkhounh, Som Prapey, Somchai Jayaw, Somchai Nil-Athi, Sommai Chinnak, Somphon Silasak, Somrak Chaisingkananont, Somsak Sibunreung, Son Luong, Songsak Kaewmoon, Souriyanh Sisengrath, Sun Sovanny, Sunee Prasongbandit, Suon Bun Rith, Supara Maneerat, Tran Van Hanh, Try Suphearac, Ung Sreng, Vaeng Phommalinh, Vongpraseut, Vongsavanh Vongmoungkhoun, Wang Jun, Xie Mohua, Ya Da, Yang Fuquan, Yang Hongwen, Yang Rathana, Yang Xiaoda, Yongxiang Li, Yu Ming, Yun Mane, Zheng Ming, Zhou Yunxiang
label: Presenters
content: An Thu Tra, Bountheng Souksavadt, Bui Thi Phuong Mai, Chanthaboupha Vongsaravan, Chanvit Tiraprasert, Chewasit Boonyakiet, Frank Proschan, Helen Rees, Jing Li, Korakot Boonlop, La Thi Thanh Thuy, Lan-Lan Wang, Le Tung Lam, Leedom Lefferts, Louise Cort, Luo Lin, Ma Yihua, Mo Cunyan, Nghiem Xuan Dong, Nguyen Duc Tang, Nguyen Kim Dung, Pham Cao Quy, Phan Thanh Bang, Phetmalayvan Keobounma, Phoeurn Revant, Pichet Saiphan, Prapassorn Posrithong, Ratana Tosakul, Sam Thida, Sam-Ang Sam, Somrak Chaisingkananont, Suon Bun Rith, Suriya Smutkupt, Suvanna Kriengkraipetch, Tran Thi Thu Thuy, Yang Xinyu, Yun Mane, Zhao Jin
label: Participants
content: CRAFT TRADITIONS

Bahnar Arts

A Kheng, 1978-, canoe maker, Vietnam

A Thao, 1979-, canoe maker, Vietnam

A Tik, 1968-, canoe maker, Vietnam

Bamboo Crafts

Bai Yongxing, Dai bamboo weaver, Yunnan

Bounmy Vannasone, Kmhmu basket maker, Laos

Gen Dequan, Dai reed pipe maker, Yunnan

Khampian Serlorborny, basket maker, Laos

Rasee Maedmingngao, 1951-, mouth organ maker, Thailand

Celebration Crafts

Adirek Chaichana, 1983-,  -- phitakon --  mask maker, Thailand

Bounlop Insixiengmay, Laos

Phetsamone Vonglathikoun, Laos

Pok Doeun,  -- ting mong  -- mask maker, Cambodia

Wirayut Natsaengsri, 1988-,  -- phitakon --  mask maker, Thailand

Fish Traps

Boungneng Ouansakdam, fish trap maker, Laos

Bun Sam Ath, fish trap maker, Cambodia

Ca Van Cu, Black Thai fish trap maker, Vietnam

Kalathone Syphounsouk, fish trap maker, Laos

Kumsing Thongnuea, 1942-, fishing gear maker, Thailand

Ton Nieng, fish trap maker, Cambodia

Udom Saengpong, 1959-, fishing gear maker, Thailand

Lancang Arts

Cheng Zhirong, candy maker, Yunnan

He Guoyao, Naxi  -- dongba  -- painter & calligrapher, Yunnan

He Xiudong, Naxi performer, Yunnan

Rao Kunsheng, chop carver, Yunnan

Shao Meihan, Yunnan

Needlework

Li Changzheng, Yi embroiderer, Yunnan

Maly Ear-her, Hmong needle worker, Laos

Morxeng Yonglorya, Hmong needle worker, Laos

Zhang Jili, Bai indigo dyer, Yunnan

Pottery

Kongchay, Laos

Lonny, Laos

Mey Meun, earthenware potter, Cambodia

Savian Silakhom, stoneware potter, Thailand

Sorn Em, earthenware potter, Cambodia

Thongwan Sriwan, stoneware potter, Thailand

Xiang Bingcheng, Han earthenware potter, Yunnan

Pu'er Teahouse

Chanthaboupha Vongsaravan, Laos

Manit Charoenkasemsap, 1957-, Thailand

Nguyen Thi Xiem, Vietnam

Sam-Oeun Tes, Fort Washington, Maryland

Samantha Powers, United States

Samorn Plisak, 1941-, Thailand

Shirley Lung, Chevy Chase, Maryland

Puppetry

Chumdet Detpimon, 1956-, shadow puppeteer, Thailand

Pramoon Sribut, 1948-, shadow puppeteer, Thailand

Samorn Plisak, 1941-, shadow puppeteer, Thailand

Ritual Arts

Buaphet Sanyakhuen, 1961-, offerings maker, Thailand

Manothai Janthakorn, cement molder, Thailand

Pee Duangkaew, 1934-, offerings maker, Thailand

Pongsupun Tubtimsai, 1972-, painter, Thailand

Silk Weaving

Bunlian Srathong, 1964-,  -- prae wa --  silk weaver, Thailand

Hem Sokhom, silk weaver, Cambodia

Layord Mingvilay, Laos

Mah Riem, Cham silk weaver, Vietnam

Mon Sengmany, Laos

Patchari Chobdee, 1967-, Khmer double ikat silk weaver, Thailand

Prapawadee Sratong, 1993-,  -- prae wa  -- silk weaver, Thailand

So Yat, silk weaver, Cambodia

Supen Pansri, 1957-, silk weaver, Thailand

Silver

Khanthip Jiewthong, 1966-, Khmer silversmith, Thailand

Mu Binlin, Bai silversmith, Yunnan

Puan Jiewthong, 1941-, Khmer silversmith, Thailand

Weaving

Armi Sae Jao, 1947-, Lisu weaver, Thailand

Arsami Biahpha, 1953-, Lisu weaver, Thailand

Beuy, Laos

Namoei Piahpha, 1962-, Lisu weaver, Thailand

Sroch Chhunly, Bunong backstrap weaver, Cambodia

Viengxay, Laos

Voet Deng, Bunong backstrap weaver, Cambodia

Wood Carving

Khamchan Yano, 1960-, woodcarver, Thailand

Yang Huanpei, Bai woodcarver, Yunnan

PERFORMING TRADITIONS

Cambodia

Ayai Repartee Singing  -- Ayai Repartee SingingSok BounyYos Sath

Chamrieng Chapei Epic Singing  -- Chamrieng Chapei Epic SingingKong Nay

Khmer Classical Dance  -- Khmer Classical DanceChey ChankethyaProeung ChhiengRos KongSam Limsothea

Khmer Wedding Music  -- Khmer Wedding MusicChhorn Sam AthHun Bunchhen, singerMen SakhanProeung PruonSay SarethYun Khean

Smot Poetry Recitation  -- Smot Poetry RecitationProm Ut

Laos

Khap Phouan Music  -- Khap Phouan MusicBouavan InthavongBounma PhathavongSiphone Ounmyxay

Lam Mahaxay Music  -- Lam Mahaxay MusicBounchad PhengsadalathDa PhengsadalathThonglin Phetthongma

Lam Salavan Music  -- Lam Salavan MusicKayLanhThongsay Vadthalesak

Thailand

Lisu Mouth Organ Ensemble  -- Lisu Mouth Organ EnsembleArmi Sae Jao, 1947-, mouth organ player, dancerArsami Biahpha, 1953-, mouth organ player, dancerChondon Biahpha, 1959-, instrumentalistNamoei Piahpha, 1962-, mouth organ playerYanglupha Yangcha, 1940-, instrumentalist

Moh Lam Singing  -- Moh Lam SingingKitsana Wannasut, 1952-, singerSam-Ang Jiangkum, 1952-, singer

Northern Thai Dance Ensemble  -- Northern Thai Dance EnsembleIntira Kavined, 1946-, dancerManit Charoenkasemsap, 1957-, dance teacherPeerapong Duangchomphu, 1992-, dancer

Pong Lang Music Ensemble  -- Pong Lang Music EnsembleAcha Phali, 1983-, mouth organ player, singerDecha Boong-U-Toom, 1978-, mouth organ and flute playerNarakorn Khamsopa, 1980-, instrumentalistNutthanun Imsombut, 1979-, instrumentalistPongtorn Panphad, 1980-, instrumentalistResuan Perin, 1982-, percussionist

Salor-Sor-Seung Music Ensemble  -- Salor-Sor-Seung Music EnsembleAmnuay Moeikham, 1966-Duangdee Prayong, 1946-Porn Lapa, 1947-Thongdee Khrueawong, 1955-

Vietnam

Bahnar Rongao Epic Singing  -- Bahnar Rongao Epic SingingA Bek, 1930-A Thut, 1957-

Bahnar Rongao Gong and Drum Ensemble  -- Bahnar Rongao Gong and Drum EnsembleA Bek, 1930-A Dan, 1978-A Hyan, 1980-A Jut, 1961-A Kheng, 1978-A KhoaiA Nhur, 1957-A Rup, 1977-A Thao, 1979-A Thunh, 1964-A Thut, 1957-A Tik, 1968-A Trao, 1973-A TropY Gai, 1987-Y Gyai, 1987-

Don Ca Tai Tu Vietnamese Folk Music  -- Don Ca Tai Tu Vietnamese Folk MusicDang Van Su, 1962-Dang Van Toai, 1949-Duong Minh Khuong, 1964-Huynh Hoa Guong, 1968-Pham Van Loan (Tu Loan), 1964-

Hat Boi Folk Opera  -- Hat Boi Folk OperaHuynh Thi Yen Linh, 1973-Huynh Van Hen, 1949-Pham Van Muoi Mot, 1964-Nguyen Van Thinh, 1963-Nguyen Van Tot

Khmer Robam Music and Dance  -- Khmer Robam Music and DanceLam HuynhLam PhuongLam Thanh HungLam Thi Huang

Kylin (Lion) Dancing  -- Kylin (Lion) DancingMai Minh Nhut, 1987-, dancerNguyen Hoang Chung, 1964-, musicianNguyen Phi Long, dancerTran Anh Hieu, dancerTran Thien Thanh, 1984-, dancerTu Hoang Vu, 1984-, dancer

Yunnan

Flower Lantern Troupe  -- Flower Lantern TroupeBao YanheChen QinghuaCheng JiangHuo MiaoLi ChunyingLi WensongLiu YiLu PengSun JinkunTuo BaorongYang ShimingYang YanfengZhang XiaoweiZhu KeqingZhu Yunqing

Naxi Music and Dance  -- Naxi Music and DanceHe JinhuaHe Xiudong

Nu Music  -- Nu MusicNa Dasha

Pumi Music and Dance  -- Pumi Music and DanceRongba Xinna

Shangri-La  -- Shangri-LaDamo LuzhuoFeng YuehongLurong NongbuYu Minghui

Yi Music  -- Yi MusicGao HongzhangHe WenxingLuo Fengxue
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Smithsonian Institution. Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
setName: label: See more items in
content: Smithsonian Folklife Festival records: 2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections
identifier: label: Identifier
content: CFCH.SFF.2007, Series 2
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials