Khmer weavers tell stories through brocades

November 18, 2017 - 09:00

The Khmer people in southern An Giang Province of Việt Nam take pride in their age-old tradition of brocade weaving. Local artisans in the province produce products including scarves, tablecloths, dresses and even murals depicting folklore stories and legends.

Precision: Neang Samon, a local weaver, works on her draw loom.
Viet Nam News

The Khmer people in southern An Giang Province take pride in their age-old tradition of brocade weaving. Local artisans in the province produce products including scarves, tablecloths, dresses and even murals depicting folklore stories and legends. 

It takes a lot of time and attention to detail to make a beautiful piece of brocade, while even more work is required to create a unique pattern, which can become an artisan’s trademark. Materials must be treated, spun and dyed through a process that has been passed down from generation to generation of Khmer weavers. Artisans use only natural ingredients for dying to make sure the colours stay and the product’s texture is soft and silky. 

Weavers say their ancient trade is not just a great way to preserve the Khmer cultural heritage and identity. In recent years, their products have been well received and started to build a reputation among visitors to the region as well as abroad. Weaving has become an income source for many local families. — VNS

 

 

 

Tradition: The weaving process is still almost entirely done by hand in this part of the country.
Culture: A large piece of brocade depicts stories in Khmer folklore and legends.
Au naturel: An artisan uses only natural ingredients during the dyeing process.
Careful now: Threads being carefully put together before weaving. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đạt

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