ICH Courier

Siyonn Sophearith
Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia

rama is a traditional woven textile that embodies the rich cultural practices and daily expressions of the Khmer people. Historical evidence, including bas-reliefs found in Angkor temples, indicates that the use of krama dates back to at least the Angkor Empire era (9th to 15th century). The techniques and significance  associated with krama continue to be preserved today. Ubiquitous in festivals and everyday life, krama serves as a vital symbol of Cambodian cultural heritage and identity, particularly among farmers and the Khmer population at large.

Fabrication of Krama
Typically made of either cotton or silk, krama measures approximately 1.8 to 2 meters in length. It features a variety of grid patterns and, in some cases, decorative motifs of elephants, horses, and other geometric designs that are deeply rooted in Khmer religious beliefs. The colors used to dye krama – yellow, red, and blue – are traditionally derived from natural sources: trom for indigo, prohout for yellow, and insects for red. While synthetic dyes are also utilized, locally
produced threads remain integral. For instance, weavers raise silkworms for the renowned golden silk and cultivate cotton to produce threads. However, local production of silk and cotton no longer meets current demands, necessitating imports.
Krama production relies on traditional weaving and dyeing techniques that have been passed down through generations.

It is manually woven using a hand loom called ‘Kei’ or ‘Kei Dombanh’. Women predominantly lead the weaving process from spinning cotton and silk to the final product, while men contribute by cultivating raw materials, sourcing natural dyes, and maintaining the equipment. Historically,
most women in each household possessed weaving skills, but the number of individual weavers has declined. Despite this shift, skilled artisans and educational associations continue to pass on weaving knowledge through community workshops, helping to sustain this tradition in 15 active communities and associations.

Krama is offered as a tribute to Preah Pisnoka, the Divine Master of Arts, Architecture and Craftsmanship. © Siyonn Sophearith

Uses and Significance of Krama
Krama is highly valued for its versatility and socio-cultural significance, playing a crucial role throughout the Khmer life cycle, from birth to death, and in both daily uses and rituals. In daily life, it can be used to wrap around newborns to keep them warm. It also serves as a blanket for children and adults during cooler months. Conversely, during the hot season, krama can be used to cool oneself by fanning or wrapping around the body after soaking in water. In agricultural
settings, parents often use krama to create hammocks for their children, promoting longer naps.
Additionally, krama provides protection against annoying and harmful insects such as flies and mosquitoes. People use krama to chase them away by fanning them off or covering their bodies from them. They also use krama to shield their faces and heads from the scorching sun while working in the field. When being sick and the body temperature is high, krama can be soaked in water and wrapped around the body for relief. It is also applied to injuries or snake bites to control bleeding or temporarily block venom while medical help is sought. Traditional remedies involved using heated stones wrapped in krama to alleviate stomachaches or bruises. To do this, the heated stone is wrapped in krama and placed on the stomach or the bruised areas are practiced.
Furthermore, krama is employed as a tool for collecting fruits and vegetables from nearby forests and serves as a fishing net for catching fish, crabs, and snails from local ponds or rivers. It also plays a role in food preparation and cooking serving as a strainer for steaming rice, potatoes, and clams as well as a filter for coffee.
In daily life, krama is woven as a gift for the future husband. While less common today, many people still carry krama with them, treating it as an essential item. Some express that they cannot leave home without it, viewing it as a companion and an integral part of their identity. It is widely believed that krama should not be shared; if used by others, the owner may experience ailments, such as a headache. Wearing krama made of silk is believed to bring good luck.
In rituals, krama fulfills both practical and symbolic roles. For example, it serves as a suitable wrapping material for ritual objects such as Thong rong , an important ritual object during wedding ceremonies. Krama is offered to spirits, like Preah Pishnoka , the Spiritual Master of Music, crafts and architecture. Additionally, it acts as symbolic clothing for the deceased during the prae rup ritual, where the ashes of the newly cremated are covered with a new krama . During the ceremony marking the beginning of the rice cycle, krama symbolizes the rice fields of individual householders. In this ceremony, local deities possessed in the medium throw rice seeds over the kramas , demonstrating, according to local belief, how the next crops will yield. In some rituals, it represents the 19 souls, reflecting Khmer belief that each individual possesses 19 souls.
Given its profound significance in Khmer life, krama was recognized and inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023. ICH

Kramas are used to wrap ritual objects, symbolizing clothing rather than just decorative cloth. © Sun Chandeb