Cambodia, a land of millennial traditions, is a true treasure of artisanal craftsmanship. From the powerful fabric of the krama to the refinement of silk weaving, from handcrafted ceramics to ancestral sculptures in stone or wood, each object tells a story.
In this article, discover the origin, manufacturing techniques, and uses of these arts that enrich Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

In this two-part article, we invite you to discover the nine iconic symbols of Cambodian craftsmanship.

At the bottom of the page, you will also find links to points of sale to extend the experience and support these traditional crafts.

First Part:

• The Krama

• Silk Fabrics and the Sampot

• Basketry and Bamboo Weaving

• Ceramics and Traditional Pottery

1. The Krama, Symbol of Cambodia

Origin and History of the Krama

The krama is much more than just a scarf for Cambodians: it is a true cultural and identity symbol. Present for centuries, this cotton or silk fabric is recognizable by its checkered patterns, often red and white, or sometimes black and white. An inheritance of ancient traditions, it reflects the textile know-how of the Khmer people and their ingenuity in transforming an accessory into a versatile everyday tool.

An Ancestral Heritage

The exact origin of the krama remains difficult to date, but it is certain that it has accompanied Khmer society for several generations. Some historians believe it already existed during the Khmer Empire of Angkor, between the 9th and 15th centuries. Used by both farmers and kings, it has traversed the centuries, maintaining its utilitarian function while gaining strong symbolic value.

Over time, the krama has become not only an everyday garment but also a cultural identity marker. Wearing it affirms one’s attachment to Cambodian traditions.

Multiple Uses

Clothing Accessory and Practical Tool

The krama is a versatile object that adapts to all situations. It can be worn around the neck as a scarf, on the head as protection against the sun, or draped over the shoulder. Some use it as a towel after bathing or as a belt to secure traditional clothing.

Support and Protection

Beyond its clothing function, it also serves for carrying babies, allowing mothers to keep their hands free while keeping the child close. It can also be used to carry rice, fruits, or various everyday items.

Cultural and Martial Role

In traditional Cambodian martial arts, particularly Bokator, the krama holds a special place. Tied around the waist or head, it symbolizes discipline, mastery, and inner strength. It is recognized as a sign of belonging and respect for martial tradition.

Artisanal Manufacturing

Cotton and Silk Work

The crafting of the krama is a skill passed down through generations. The cotton threads – or sometimes silk – are carefully washed and then dyed in natural colors, often vivid and contrasting.

Traditional Weaving

Once ready, the threads are placed on a traditional loom called kei. The gesture is precise, a result of patient mastery, and each piece requires several days of work. The result is always unique: no two krama are identical, giving it a particular artisanal and cultural value.

Symbolic and Ritual Dimensions

A Protective and Spiritual Object

Beyond its utilitarian function, the krama also has a spiritual dimension. In many folk beliefs, it is seen as a form of protection against spirits and negative influences. Some Cambodians still wear it today as a discreet talisman, ensuring safety and prosperity.

Presence in Religious Ceremonies

During Buddhist rituals, the krama sometimes accompanies offerings in pagodas. Offering a krama to a monk is considered a meritorious act, as it symbolizes respect, generosity, and sharing. In certain traditional ceremonies, it may be tied around the hands as a sign of blessing.

Symbol of Unity and National Identity

Over time, the krama has become an emblem of the Khmer nation. It represents the link between generations, a thread woven between the past and present. Wearing the krama is a way of showing pride in being Cambodian and deep attachment to a culture that has withstood the upheavals of history.

The Krama: A Symbol of Daily Life

Manufacturing and Production Areas

The krama is generally woven from cotton (or silk for some rarer versions). Its production is still entrusted to artisanal cooperatives and villages specializing in weaving.

The provinces of Takeo and Kampot are historically known for producing traditional cotton kramas.

In the villages of Prey Veng and Kandal, families continue the tradition of hand-weaving on the traditional kei loom.

The city of Kratié, located near the Mekong, also produces brightly colored kramas sold in local markets.

Each krama is unique: the preparation of threads, natural dyeing (using plants, bark, or indigo), and weaving all require several days of work.

Uses and Symbolic Reach

Versatile, the krama is a scarf, towel, belt, improvised hammock, or even a work tool. It is also present in traditional martial arts and holds strong identity value.

The Symbolism of Krama Colors

The colors of the krama are not chosen randomly. They carry deep meanings that vary according to social, religious, and cultural contexts.

• Red: Energy and Vitality
  The red krama, one of the most common, is associated with vitality, youth, and courage. In rural areas, it symbolizes the physical strength of workers and their connection to the land. Used in some ceremonies, red may also represent protection from evil spirits.

• White: Purity and Spirituality
  White refers to purity, wisdom, and peace. In a religious context, monks and followers sometimes use white fabric during Buddhist rituals to symbolize clarity of mind. The white krama is also linked to ancestors and memory, often present in funeral or memorial rituals.

• Black: Resilience and Memory
  The black krama, less commonly used daily but carrying a strong symbolism, evokes resilience, dignity, and sometimes mourning. This color also recalls painful periods in Cambodian history, particularly during the Khmer Rouge regime, when the black krama became a symbol of that era. Today, it retains a memorial value and a more solemn significance.

• Blue and Green: Nature and Harmony
  Less traditional but increasingly common in contemporary productions, blue or green kramas symbolize the connection to nature, balance, and serenity. They also reflect Cambodia's cultural openness and artisanal evolution.

The krama is not just a scarf: it carries a true language of symbols, expressed through its colors and uses. Red for vitality, white for purity, black for memory, and green and blue for nature, each variation tells a story and an identity. Thus, beyond its utilitarian role, the krama remains a living witness to Khmer culture, an ever-present heritage in contemporary Cambodian society.

The krama is both a functional object, a spiritual symbol, and an identity marker. Heir to a long history, it remains present today in the daily life of Cambodians, whether in work, family, martial arts, or religious rituals. This seemingly simple fabric embodies the richness of Khmer culture and reminds us of the importance of preserving the know-how and traditions that are part of the soul of a people.

2. Silk Fabrics and the Sampot

Cambodian silk and the sampot are emblematic elements of the country's textile heritage. Associated with elegance, ancestral know-how, and deeply rooted cultural identity, they reflect the ingenuity and artisanal creativity of the Khmer people.

The Role of Silk in Cambodian Culture

For centuries, silk has been considered a prestigious textile in Cambodia. It is used to create refined garments for ceremonies, religious festivals, and royal rituals. Each piece of silk is the result of a long artisanal process, where the artisan’s hand transmits their ancestral craftsmanship. Wearing silk is not only aesthetic: it expresses respect, refinement, and a connection to tradition.

Weaving Techniques

Ikat (Chong Kiet)

The most renowned technique is chong kiet, a Cambodian ikat where silk threads are dyed before being woven. Artisans tie certain parts of the thread to prevent dye from reaching them, creating intricate patterns once the fabric is woven. This method requires extreme precision and can take several months of work for a single garment.

Uneven Twill

Another distinctive technique, the uneven twill (or off-set weave) creates a subtle bicolor effect. Depending on the angle of light or the position of the fabric, the reflections change, creating a unique visual depth. This method illustrates the finesse and elegance characteristic of Cambodian silk.

The Sampot, Traditional Garment

Origin and Antiquity

The sampot is the quintessential traditional Cambodian garment. Present since antiquity, it is mentioned as early as the Khmer Empire and is still worn today during ceremonies or major occasions. It generally consists of a large rectangular piece of fabric wrapped around the waist and tied with a knot, resembling a long skirt, adaptable for both men and women.

Variety of Styles

The sampot comes in different versions depending on social function and the event:

• Sampot Phamuong: Considered a luxury fabric, it is made from solid silk or adorned with fine patterns. The fabrics are vibrant thanks to natural dyes like indigo, lacquer, or bark extracts. It resembles the clothing habits of royalty.

• Sampot Hol: Characterized by elaborate patterns created with the chong kiet (ikat) technique. The designs are geometric or floral, sometimes symbolic, reflecting Cambodia’s cultural and religious imagination.

A Garment of Prestige and Tradition

The sampot is often reserved for solemn occasions: weddings, Buddhist ceremonies, and national holidays. It then becomes a symbol of elegance and respect for traditions. Wearing it represents a historical and cultural continuity linking today’s Cambodians with their ancestors.

Manufacturing Techniques

Silk is produced from silkworm cocoons, primarily raised in the countryside. The threads are then dyed with natural pigments (bark, lacquer, indigo) and woven using various traditional techniques.

The Chong Kiet (Cambodian Ikat): The patterns are created by dyeing the threads before weaving.

Uneven Twill: This technique gives a bicolor effect depending on the angle of view, renowned for its refinement.

Geographic Distribution of Silk Production

Cambodian silk is concentrated in certain villages and provinces that preserve this craftsmanship:

• Takeo: One of the provinces most known for silk weaving and sampot creation.

• Kampot and Kandal: Renowned for their high-quality silk and natural dyes.

• Siem Reap, near Angkor: Many artisanal workshops still produce silk fabrics for markets and ceremonies.

• Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear: Known for their women's weaving cooperatives that preserve these traditions.

Silk fabrics and the sampot are much more than simple textiles: they embody a living heritage. Through complex weaving techniques such as chong kiet and uneven twill, artisans continue a delicate art passed down through generations. As for the sampot, it remains one of Cambodia’s most representative garments, both functional, artistic, and full of social and spiritual symbols. It brilliantly illustrates the country's textile and cultural wealth.

3. Basketry and Bamboo Weaving

Basketry is an integral part of Cambodian craftsmanship. Inherited from ancient practices and deeply tied to rural life, it relies on the use of natural materials such as rattan and bamboo, abundant in the countryside. This know-how, passed down through generations, allows the creation of functional and artistic everyday objects while embodying a strong cultural identity.

Origin and Family Tradition

An Ancestral Heritage
Basketry has been practiced in Cambodia for centuries. Bamboo and rattan stems, both flexible and durable, have always been used to make containers, transport baskets, mats, and even furniture. This craft served simple yet essential needs: to store, protect, decorate, and transport.

A Family Tradition
Often, the art of weaving is passed down within rural families. Children observe and learn from a young age how to handle natural fibers, thereby perpetuating a communal craft. This strengthens bonds between generations and ensures the preservation of traditional techniques.

Weaving Techniques

Working with Bamboo and Rattan
Before being woven, bamboo and rattan are cut, dried, and softened. The fibers are then split into strips of varying thickness depending on their intended use. These natural materials are valued for their versatility: robust, lightweight, and easy to manipulate.

Weaving Styles

• Simple Weaving: Used for transport or harvest baskets.

• Tight Weaving: Creates sturdy objects such as mats or storage containers.

• Decorative Weaving: Focuses on shapes, patterns, and sometimes the coloration of fibers to create aesthetic objects intended for interior decoration.

These techniques give rise to a wide range of items, from kantael (bamboo and rattan mats) to fishing baskets, storage trunks, and decorative baskets.

Objects Created and Uses

Everyday Tools
Traditional basketry is first and foremost practical:

• Woven baskets to carry rice, fruits, or vegetables.

• Fishing nets and traps made from bamboo, adapted for rivers and Lake Tonlé Sap.

• Storage boxes for preserving food or valuable items.

A Decorative and Artistic Function
Over time, basketry has also evolved into an art form. Some baskets and trunks are now adorned with geometric patterns, and bamboo chairs and benches are increasingly popular in contemporary craftsmanship.

Manufacturing and Production Regions

Cambodian basketry is found throughout the country, but certain regions stand out:

• Kampong Chhnang: Known for its fishing and agricultural baskets and containers.

• Kratié and Stung Treng: Located near the Mekong, specializing in fishing traps and rattan items.

• Siem Reap: Famous for its artisanal products aimed at tourists, including decorative objects.

• Takeo: A major center for traditional weaving and basketry, still producing kantael (bamboo mats).

Craftsmanship in these areas often complements agriculture, providing families with an additional income.

Cultural and Social Dimension

Basketry reflects an intimate relationship between humans and nature. It showcases the Cambodians' ability to use natural resources creatively and transform raw materials into both functional and beautiful objects. In some communities, gifting a woven object symbolizes collective work, solidarity, and hospitality.

Basketry and bamboo weaving are living expressions of Cambodian artisanal genius. Functional, aesthetic, and eco-friendly, this craft continues to hold a central place in rural life while finding its niche in modern craftsmanship and design. Produced in provinces like Kampong Chhnang, Takeo, and Kratié, it helps maintain a vital connection between tradition, utility, and cultural identity.

4. Ceramics and Traditional Pottery in Cambodia

Cambodian ceramics are one of the oldest testaments to Khmer craftsmanship. Both functional and artistic, they reflect the ingenuity of artisans and their ability to transform clay into utilitarian or ritualistic objects. A millennial heritage, this craft is still alive in certain provinces, despite periods of decline.

Millennial Heritage

Ancient Origins
Archaeological excavations have revealed that Cambodian pottery dates back over 5,000 years. Even during the pre-Angkorian period, jars, storage containers, and decorative objects accompanied the lives of the people.

The Golden Age in the 11th Century
In the 11th century, at the peak of the Khmer Empire, artisans excelled at making large jars, fine dishes, and zoomorphic pottery (animal-shaped). These objects served both daily life (to store water, rice, and ingredients) and religious rituals.

Traditional Manufacturing Techniques

Modeling and Throwing
Cambodian ceramics use various techniques:

• Hand-modeling: Shaping the clay by hand to gradually form the desired shape.

• Throwing: Introduced later, this technique allows for more regular lines and finer pieces.

Earth Kiln Firing
The shaped pieces were fired in earth kilns, where they were covered with ashes and wood. This method produced natural colors ranging from brown to dark red, depending on the composition of the clay and firing conditions.

Decorations and Glazes
Some pottery was left raw, while others featured incised or applied patterns, often inspired by natural and religious elements. Later, green or brown glazes were used, particularly under Chinese and Thai influence.

Production Centers and Their Current Role

Kompong Chhnang: The "Pottery Province"
Kompong Chhnang province (whose name literally means "pot port") is the cradle of traditional Cambodian pottery. Even today, villages in this region produce large jars, cooking pots, and decorative ceramics using techniques passed down from ancient ancestors.

Andong Russei and the Clay Weaving Villages
The village of Andong Russei, near Kompong Chhnang, continues artisanal pottery according to ancient methods. There, each family participates in collecting clay, preparing, modeling, and firing the pieces. The finished items are sold at local markets or displayed in pagodas.

Siem Reap and Contemporary Initiatives
In the Siem Reap region, workshops and associations encourage the rediscovery of this tradition. They sometimes adapt shapes and decorations to modern tastes, while maintaining the foundations of ancient know-how. Here, both utilitarian and artistic pottery are made, some of which is sold to tourists and for export.

Cultural and Symbolic Dimension

Pottery was not only used for everyday purposes. It also held spiritual significance: some jars accompanied funerals, while others were offered during religious ceremonies. Zoomorphic motifs expressed a strong connection with nature and Khmer beliefs.

Today, Cambodian ceramics represent both a heritage to protect and an economic potential, especially as tourism and cultural valorization spark renewed interest in authentic craftsmanship.

Cambodian traditional ceramics and pottery testify to an ancient know-how that has lasted over five millennia. Once flourishing during the Khmer Empire, they continue to exist through villages like Kompong Chhnang and Andong Russei, where modeling, throwing, and firing in earth kilns preserve ancestral memory. Functional, spiritual, and artistic, these ceramics are an integral part of Cambodia's cultural heritage and deserve particular attention to ensure their transmission to future generations.

FAQ on Cambodian Textiles and Ceramics

What traditional textile materials are used in Cambodia?

Cambodian artisans primarily work with silk, linen, and sometimes wool. The warp and weft threads are prepared locally, often using natural fibers, and then woven according to ancient techniques such as jacquard.

How are traditional Cambodian textiles made?

Weaving involves a precise frame where warp and weft threads intertwine to create rich fabrics. Embroidery and tapestry are often applied to enrich the surface, sometimes with velvet or pearl-embroidered motifs for upholstery and clothing.

What is the significance of manufacturing industries for Khmer craftsmanship?

Since the 19th century, manufacturing centers have developed to preserve and modernize art trades. They oversee the spinning of synthetic or natural fibers, the production of earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and the creation of terra cotta art pieces.

What pottery techniques are still used in Cambodia?

Potters work with clay, stoneware, and sometimes faience or porcelain. Shaping can be done manually or with a wheel, followed by traditional firing. Glazes applied are often natural, giving a matte or glossy texture to the pieces.

How is velvet and raw silk incorporated into textile production?

Velvet is used for luxurious upholstery fabrics, while raw silk, untreated fabric, is precious for classic creations. The combination of these textiles with metallic or synthetic threads enhances the pieces with a unique shine.

Which external influences have shaped Cambodian textiles?

Cambodia has integrated influences from Lyon (notably in jacquard weaving), Vietnam, and broader Asian cultures into its techniques and patterns, adapting these inputs to its own culture. Thus, fabrics merge ancient art with creative modernity.

What role do artisans play in Cambodian craftsmanship?

Artisans maintain a centuries-old skill set, crafting vases, pottery, and terra cotta objects using traditional methods. They also work with stoneware and faience, often fired in artisan kilns, sometimes decorated with natural glazes.

What is the role of arts and crafts in the valorization of textiles and pottery?

The arts encompass all skills related to spinning, weaving, embroidery, pottery, and decoration. They help preserve these traditions while stimulating contemporary creations that celebrate Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

How are traditional textiles and ceramics used in furniture?

Richly embroidered and velvet fabrics are used for cushions, curtains, and drapes, while pottery (vases, decorative items) adds an artisanal touch. Ancient objects like terra cotta tiles or faience pieces also adorn traditional interiors.

What are the traditional Khmer weaving techniques?

Khmer weaving combines ancient processes such as manual warping, jacquard weaving on traditional looms, and meticulous work with warp and weft threads, often using natural silk or linen. Weaving workshops maintain these techniques, sometimes dating back to the 19th century, producing rich, silky, striped, or patterned fabrics.

How is sewing integrated into textile craftsmanship in Cambodia?

Sewing, guided by an expert needle, dresses fabrics by transforming them into traditional garments and haute couture-inspired pieces. Textiles like satin, chiffon, or velvet, sometimes embellished with embroidered or lace elements, are used to create clothing and upholstery.

What materials are used for ceramics and pottery?

Cambodian potters work with terra cotta, stoneware, faience, and sometimes porcelain. Pieces are shaped and fired according to ancient techniques, often in small artisan workshops. Natural glazes are applied to decorate vases and other art objects, blending tradition and creativity.

Which external influences have impacted Khmer weaving and ceramics?

Cambodian craftsmanship has been enriched by influences from Lyon silk weaving, particularly the adoption of jacquard looms, and various textile fashions. Synthetic materials are also beginning to be used, complementing natural fibers in an evolving textile industry.

Index of Cambodian Craft Symbols

• The Krama

• Silk Fabrics and the Sampot

• Basketry and Bamboo Weaving

• Ceramics and Traditional Pottery