Joanna James
While it may be one of the historic city’s most underrated attributes, Siem Reap’s artisans have been producing some of Cambodia’s finest crafts for centuries. Here’s a look at 5 traditional crafts that are part of the region’s creative legacy.
Those who have had the good fortune to tour Angkor Wat and other 11th or 12th-century temples occupying Siem Reap will attest to the beauty of the wood carvings that adorn these ancient edifices. As a craft that’s been thriving in Siem Reap for centuries, wood carvers based in the historic city are producing some of Cambodia’s finest works of art to this day. Although the motifs used in modern souvenirs and object d’art art are not restricted to those featured in Angkor’s famous temples, it is not difficult to find certain key stylistic elements that are unique to this part of the country. Artisans Angkor is a venue where tourists can find wares made by some of the best local wood craftsmen.
While it may be one of the lesser-known specialities among Siem Reap’s traditional creative enterprises, the city’s pottery scene has a rich history that stretches back nearly 5000 years. Having once been a heartland for lovers of exquisite ceramics and pottery, visitors can now find the region’s pottery prowess on full display in several galleries and souvenir hubs. The Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre is one such location where tourists based at Anantara Angkor Resort and similar accommodation hubs can sign up for a pottery class. Ranked among the top things to do in Siem Reap, the 3.5-hour session educates participants on the finer points of crafting a ceramic mug.
Handwoven textiles are also part and parcel of Siem Reap’s creative heritage as Cambodian silk is renowned for its high quality and lasting beauty. While visiting one of Siem Reap’s silk farms is a great way to uncover the origins of this textile, those with an interest in traditional craftsmanship ought to also witness an Ikat weaving session during their time in the city. Creating gorgeous patterns using a unique dyeing technique, Ikat weaving is divided into several factions which differ in aesthetics while maintaining the traditional practices of their ancestors.
With entire craft villages dedicated to stone carving, it is little surprise that Siem Reap’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites are lined with breathtaking reliefs, sculptures and pillars rendered in stone. As a time-consuming and labour-intensive craft, it can take a local artisan months or weeks to create a single piece but the results are well worth the wait as tourists can purchase replicas of Khmer temples and other decorative items at local craft markets in Siem Reap.
Crafting jewellery by hand has also been a Khmer tradition that’s intrinsically linked with Siem Reap. Using unusual and unique materials, local jewellers are known to create one-of-a-kind pieces featuring precious gems as well as recycled bullets. These eco-friendly works of art are not only stylish but also reveal Cambodian stories while employing traditional metalwork techniques.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
