Some traditional Cambodian crafts are:
- Textiles: Cambodia has a long history of silk weaving, dating back to the first century. Silk fabrics are often decorated with intricate patterns using the ikat technique or the uneven twill technique. Silk weaving is a major source of income for many rural women. Cotton weaving is also popular, and cotton fabrics are used for clothing, bags, and scarves. Sources: (1)(2)(3)
- Non-textile weaving: Cambodians use various materials such as rattan, bamboo, reed, and palm leaves to weave baskets, mats, hats, boxes, and other items. These products are both functional and artistic, and reflect the natural environment and culture of Cambodia. Sources: (1)(2)(3)
- Silversmithing: Cambodians have been making silverware since the Angkorian period, when silver was used as currency and for royal ceremonies. Today, silversmiths produce a variety of items such as bowls, trays, boxes, cups, and jewelry. Some of the most famous examples of Cambodian silverware are the silver betel boxes, which are intricately carved with scenes from mythology and daily life. Sources: (1)(2)(3)(4)
- Stone carving: Stone carving is one of the oldest and most impressive forms of Cambodian art, as seen in the magnificent temples of Angkor. Stone carvers use sandstone, marble, or soapstone to create statues, reliefs, and decorative elements. Some of the common motifs are Buddha images, apsaras (celestial dancers), animals, and floral patterns. Sources: (1)(2)(3)(4)
- Lacquerware: Lacquerware is a technique of coating wood, bamboo, or metal with a resin extracted from a tree. The lacquer is then polished and painted with various colors and designs. Lacquerware is used to make boxes, trays, vases, bowls, and sculptures. Some of the distinctive features of Cambodian lacquerware are the use of gold leaf, eggshell inlay, and motifs from nature and Buddhism. Sources: (1)(2)(3)(4)
- Ceramics: Ceramics have been produced in Cambodia since prehistoric times, but reached their peak during the Khmer Empire. Ceramic products include pots, jars, bowls, plates, cups, and figurines. They are usually glazed with brown, green, or white colors and decorated with geometric or floral patterns. Some of the most famous types of Cambodian ceramics are Khmer stoneware and Angkorian greenware. Sources: (1)(2)(3)(4)
- Wat murals: Wat murals are paintings on the walls of Buddhist temples (wats) that depict scenes from the life of Buddha, the Jataka stories (stories of Buddha’s previous lives), or other religious themes. Wat murals are usually colorful and detailed, and serve as a way of teaching and inspiring the faithful. Wat murals can be found in many temples across Cambodia, such as Wat Phnom, Wat Ounalom, and Wat Bo. Sources: (1)(2)(3)(4)
- Kite-making: Kite-making is a popular pastime and sport in Cambodia. Kites are made from bamboo frames covered with paper or cloth. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as birds, dragons, butterflies, or geometric forms. Some kites have musical devices attached to them that produce sounds when they fly in the wind. Kite-flying is especially popular during festivals and competitions. Sources: (1)(2)(3)
I hope this answer gives you some insight into the rich and diverse culture of Cambodia.
