From vintage Khmer Rouge magazine covers to descriptions of medical care under Democratic Kampuchea, the new exhibit at Tuol Sleng provides an excellent overview of Pol Pot's regime and daily life from 1975-79.

I finally had a chance to see Reflections: Democratic Kampuchea and Beyond this week. Although, like most who live in Phnom Penh, I've visited Tuol Sleng numerous times, I would highly recommend the new exhibit even to those already familiar with the museum.

For visitors new to Cambodian history, Reflections provides a solid explanation of the Khmer Rouge's rise to power, ideology and eventual fall. Those already well-versed in the Khmer Rouge story will appreciate the rare artifacts on display and details about life under DK.

 

Some of my favorite exhibit components: DK's national emblem -- dikes, canals and factories framed by an oval garland of rice ears -- and a medicinal recipe for creating "Rabbit Dropping Tablets" out of human gall bladders, flour and a variety of plants.

The exhibit was organized by DC-Cam and curated by Sarah Jones Dickens, Sayana Ser and Olivia Altaras.

 

 

 

 

*Picture above: Democratic Kampuchea national emblem. At left: Khmer Rouge medical staff preparing medicine.