It is performed during sacred temple ceremonies, at private functions, and for the public in Cambodia's villages.

It is a sacred performance, embodying Khmer beliefs built on the foundations and mythologies of Brahmanism and Buddhism.

Cambodian shadow puppets are made of cow hide, and their size are usually quite large, depicting a whole scene, including its background.

Unlike their Javanese counterparts, Cambodian shadow puppets are usually not articulated, rendering the figure's hands unmovable, and are left uncolored, retaining the original color of the leather.

[citation needed] The Sbek Thom figures are unlike puppets because they are large and heavy, with no moveable parts.