The Elephant Mahout Project
Volunteers
- Learn how to be a Mahout
- The role of the volunteer
- Sustainable Tourism
- Volunteers Daily Schedule
- Elephant Training Schedule
- Accommodation
- What To Bring
- Local amenities
- Additional Information
- Booking Form
- The Pa-Kam ceremony
- Volunteers Photo Gallery
How You Can Help The Elephant Mahout Prohject
Elephant Facts
- History & Spirituality
- Anatomy
- Behavior
- Relationships
- The Differences Between Asian & African Elephants
Education
- School Visits
- Student Trips - residential & non-residential
- Volunteer Vet Placements
- Teaching English
Services
Useful Thai Information
Places To Visit
- Khao Chee Chan/Buddha Mountain
- Wat Yansangwararam
- Viharnra Sien
- Siricharoen Forest Project
- Tourist Attractions Around Pattaya
Testimonals
Here's what some of our volunteers
have to say about The Elephant Mahout Project more
Disclaimer
Press Release
| The Pa-Kam ceremony | ||
On your first day as a volunteer at the elephant mahout project you will take part in a welcoming ceremony, the Pa-Kam ceremony. The ceremony originates from the Khmer religion, which the mahouts follow, and takes place at a special spirit house at the camp. The Pa-Kam itself is a noose that was originally used to capture wild elephants in Cambodia hundreds of years ago. It is now kept in the spirit house and the mahouts believe that it now captures the spirits of the mahout fathers. The Pa-Kam and the ritual of the ceremony is passed down though generations from father to son, women are not allowed to touch the Pa-Kam, and each of the mahouts will take part in the ceremony twice a month. During the ceremony the mahout leading the ceremony will ask the mahout fathers for the volunteers protection, safety and happiness whilst working with the elephants. Offerings will be made by the mahouts and on the volunteers' behalf - usually rice, Thai whisky, water, soda, flowers and money. At the end of your time volunteering you will take part in a closing ceremony. The mahout leading the prayers will give thanks to the mahout fathers for your protection, safety and enjoyment and again offerings will be made. As this ceremony is for giving thanks additional offerings are made - these usually include a pigs head, a cooked chicken, sweets and cigars. At the end of the ceremony a mahout will read the volunteers fortune from a bone taken from the chickens jaw. After the ceremony you will usually be invited to sample some of the pigs head and whisky - don't worry, it's' not compulsory!! |
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