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Kampuchea Chef More people need to know about the Sosoro Museum in Phnom Penh. Thursday, April 20, 2023
More people need to know about the Sosoro Museum in Phnom Penh. Why, you may ask? For starters, it provides a unique and contemporary perspective on Cambodia’s history over the past 2,000 years using a combination of money, the economy and politics to weave a story that you’d be hard-pressed to find in textbooks. Display cases packed with artifacts and information panels are enhanced by multimedia presentations on two floors of a colonial relic, the former municipal offices of the city of Phnom Penh, now spruced up and in great nick. I must admit to a penchant for early history, so the first half dozen exhibitions halls caught my eye in particular. Beginning with the Funan and Chenla kingdoms and the coin discoveries at Angkor Borei, particularly a gold medal-coin from the 7th century reign of Icanavarman, and other artifacts and then a separate find, known as the Konlah Lan Hoard nearby. The informative descriptions go into great detail, much of which was brand new to me. Next up, the Angkor period tended to use barter rather than money for trade, with a fascinating suggestion that the lack of currency played a part in Angkor’s downfall, followed by a series of dynasties adopting a multitude of foreign monetary systems until the French Protectorate, the birth of the riel and a myriad number of examples of notes and coins used – a dream for any numismatist (someone who studies and collects coins, etc). The final half a dozen exhibition areas focused on more modern growth areas after independence and the Khmer Rouge era, how money and the economy co-exist and finally Cambodia’s place in the international arena, aided by interactive games. To take stock of everything on display will take the visitor a good three hours, and with the temporary exhibition of King Sisowath’s 1906 journey to France in the exhibition hall an added attraction, a bite to eat and drink at the garden café is a must. As no pictures are allowed inside, these are a few supplied by the Sosoro to highlight the Funan and Chenla period, which is a great way to start your tour.
