Krama
Type | Scarf |
---|---|
Material | Cotton or silk |
Place of origin | Cambodia |
A krama (
History
According to Hab Touch, director of the National Museum of Cambodia, the krama may date back to the Pre-Angkor Norkor Phnom era, between the first and fifth centuries CE. Over the period, many Shivas and other Hindu gods wearing the kben (a simple hip wrapper rolled at the waist takes the form of a large krama) have been recovered at the Angkor Borey site. A man was even pictured wearing a krama-style head covering in some instances.[4]
Records from around 1296–1297, by Chinese envoy and diplomat Zhou Daguan show several fabrics of high quality were produced locally in Angkor Thom, with others imported from Champa and Siam, but the most coveted coming from the western seas.[4]
Cambodians did not raise silkworms at the time, did not know how to sew, but did know how to weave cotton cloth from kapok. The inference is that their basic sampot hip wrappers were woven from cotton and were around the size of a considerable krama. Krama can be seen in some of the first photos of Cambodian costumes taken around the end of the nineteenth century. In 1896, the young French photographer and traveler Andre Salles was among the first to photograph Cambodian daily life.[4]
Many
Cultural significance
The production of Krama involves manual weaving using traditional hand looms called 'Kei' or 'Kei Dombanh'. Weaving and dyeing techniques are essential, and protecting the environment is crucial to ensure the quality of the materials used.[6]
Krama is a versatile textile, serving as a
While individual weavers have become scarce, professional Krama groups and producers have taken up the mantle. The tradition endures in 15 active communities and associations, with skilled weavers imparting their knowledge. Educational associations also offer training to ensure the preservation of Krama's unique characteristics.[5]
Krama is not just a textile; it is a symbol of life's journey, from birth to death. It holds great socio-cultural significance, expressing greetings, respect, and marking important life events. Whether celebrating a new addition to the family, honoring weddings, or paying tribute to the departed, Krama is a cherished emblem of the
See also
- Agal, Arabian headdress
- Gamosa, traditional multi-use cloth from Assam
- Gamcha, scarf from Bengal
- Gingham
- Keffiyeh, traditional Middle Eastern headdress
- Tagelmust, scarf from Sahara
- Turban, head scarf
- Khăn rằn, Vietnamese head scarf
References
- ^ "SEAlang Dictionary". www.sealang.net. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
- ISBN 978-8126138371
- ^ "Good Krama". Archived from the original on 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
- ^ a b c "Cambodian Krama - Asian Textile Studies". www.asiantextilestudies.com. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ a b c d "The Cambodian Krama Scarf, The Story Behind This Iconic Scarf – A Bus On A Dusty Road". abusonadustyroad.com. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Files 2024 under process". unesco.org.