Near the banks of the Tonlé Sap Lake, researchers have identified a series of ritual pits containing hundreds of miniature ceramic boats. These 'spirit-boats' date back to the late 8th century and are believed to be central to Pre-Angkorian water festivals aimed at appeasing ancestral spirits and ensuring a bountiful fishing season.
The orientation of the pits suggests a symbolic journey across the lake, mirroring modern-day water festival boat races. The discovery highlights the deep-seated continuity of water-based spirituality in Cambodian culture, bridging the gap between the pre-Angkorian era and modern national celebrations.