Chhayam is a traditional Khmer musical dance.

It features the long-drum (skor chhayam), clashing hand-held cymbal

Cymbal

Cymbals are a common percussion instrument. Cymbals consist of thin, normally round plates of various alloys; see cymbal making for a discussion of their manufacture. The greater majority of cymbals are of indefinite pitch, although small disc-shaped cymbals based on ancient designs sound a...

s, wooden clackers (Krab), and other noisemakers made of commonly found materials.

The performers show off in comic masks and exaggerated hair styles and make-up. Communal and spontaneous, the combination of drumming, comic exhibitions, and animated vernacular call-and-response vocals (at times nonsensical) are characteristics of Chhayam.