Traditional Handicrafts in Cambodia

Cambodian Silk, Stone & Wood Carving, Silver, Siem Reap Basketry

Oct 17, 2009

Cambodian handicrafts enjoy a well deserved revival, offering employment to skilled communities and quality and tradition to discerning tourists.

Traditional handicrafts in Cambodia flourished in Angkorian times when the finest objects were crafted for temples and Court. Handed down through generations, the skills of Cambodian craftsmen fulfilled domestic and religious needs for centuries until the dark years of the Khmer Rouge, when production almost came to a standstill.

Today, from stone or wood carving to silver and basket work, traditional handicrafts are recovering well and benefiting from a growing tourist market. The clicking of looms or tapping of hammer and chisel echoes along the village streets, families weave bamboo on the doorstep and Cambodian silk is sought by collectors worldwide.

Cambodian Silk

Cambodian silk is produced on handlooms, tie and dye ikat, or twill woven. The unique ‘uneven twill’ technique creates a different dominant colour either side of the fabric. Quality is determined by tightness of weaving and richness of natural dye and design. Most highly prized is Khmer Golden Silk from indigenous cocoons.

Siem Reap and Takeo are important weaving centres but silk is widely available at all tourist spots. There’s a good choice in the Russian market in Phnom Penh where popular items include Khmer scarves, sarongs and soft furnishings. Cambodian silk is named according to the type of fabric and its use, pa muong for evening dress, hol for going to the temple, pidan for wall hanging.

The stone carving tradition of Angkor continues today, both for restoration and new work. The original Angkor stone from Phnom Kulen is reserved for the temples but there are ample supplies of sandstone in Banteay Meanchey for other requirements. New designs are emerging but traditional style remains the favourite. Buddha statues, Apsara dancers and bas-reliefs are all popular but top of the list are replica busts of Jayavarman VII, founder of Angkor Thom.

Cambodian wood carving has its origins in ancient animist beliefs. Village homes have finely carved shrines and pillars, dedicated to spirits and sometimes carved with flowers, moon or stars, to ensure protection. Objects for domestic use range from furniture to kitchen utensils while carved boxes and ornaments are produced for the tourist trade.

Cambodian Silver and Siem Reap Basketry

Silver was always in demand for royalty and also flourished under French rule. Renowned for delicate carving and filigree work, Cambodian silver is used for jewellery, betel nut boxes, trays, plates, cutlery and candlesticks, some with Angkorian motifs. Silver content varies, with best pieces claiming 90% or more. Luong in Kandal province is renowned for its silversmiths.

Basketry comes in all shapes and sizes, cheap, useful and light. The Siem Reap and Kampong Cham provinces produce some of the best, as do ethnic minorities around Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. Bowls, ornaments, small baskets and mats are easy to take home. Reeds and bamboo are used depending on the area.

The copyright of the article Traditional Handicrafts in Cambodia in Cambodia Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish Traditional Handicrafts in Cambodia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.