A Communist Regime Nearly Ended Cambodia’s Silk Tradition. One Woman Is Fighting To Preserve It

In Cambodia, golden silkworms spin cocoons that are turned into textiles worth upwards of $10,000. The ancient art form was nearly lost during the deadly Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970s — but one woman is working to preserve the legacy.

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A Communist Regime Nearly Ended Cambodia’s Silk Tradition. One Woman Is Fighting To Preserve It

[TheNinjutsuAlchemist]

It’s amazing how fulfilling it is to be a craftsman. So much respect for Pheach giving her employees and so many others a bit of their culture back and a purpose to be a part of something bigger.

[Nightcrawler]

I'm really glad this art has lived through difficult times 👍👍 Nice to see Crum leading a happy life after the difficulties she had faced when she was young.

[swagbe]

I have bought several of these Cambodia silk and they are one of a kind I’ll tell you that. Very beautiful and unique. Different from many other Asian silks. The thing is it can be very pricey but after seeing the work behind it it’s all worth every penny.

[marytith]

I love my Cambodian people and culture. I’m proud this old tradition still exist

[entahlaa]

'Ikat' also means tie or bind in Malay. We also use similar tie-dying weaving technique to produce our ikat limar woven cloth, which is popular in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. This particular cloth was only worn by the royalties and people of status in the past. It is so interesting to see similar weaving technique can also be found in India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Uzbekistan, Guatemala etc God knows where else. The only difference I guess is the pattern created on the cloth. We need to protect this cultural heritage at all cost.

[laramaaike]

If I was rich I would buy a few, to tell the story back at home, to wear it and also to visit these beautiful women who keeps this ancient art alive.

[daviddevlogger]

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily

[AbdulKader-jtgd]

In Bangladesh we aslo reintroduced silk. British cut off hands who webs silk after that we forget but after a long time now we again can produce Muslin again 🙂

[carlborneke]

Imagine the dedication and effort it takes to revive a craft that came so close to extinction

[gitanjalimech]

Here in Assam, India we weave mulberry silk using the same process. That's why our traditional attire here has the same texture and similar design patterns as that of the Cambodian, Thais and also the Burmese.

[TheCL]

Thanks for sharing part of Khmer culture. I feel that this is often an afterthought when it comes to American history, despite intense bombing of Cambodian land by the U.S. Of course, their target was the Khmer Rouge, but many civilians, children, mothers, etc, died in the process…and this was not long ago.

[FaeriePrincex]

This is so amazing. Its cool to see these ancient and sacred skills be reborn in fresh hands

[MoonFairy]

Their silk products worth every single cent and you will love it.

[gabriele]

So happy to see Insider talk about Cambodia !!

[babyhummingbird]

So very proud to be khmer. No matter the most horrific things we’ve gone through in the past, our people are so passionate, dedicated, and resilient in preserving this craft that is so hard to master. I feel so proud to wear Khmer silk as I know it was created with heart❤

[Kaaru]

This was a joy to watch. Wish I was rich I would buy one for my mom. Understandable that they cost co much if it takes 3 years to make just one.

[deforged]

fascinating subject matter. thank you for making a video about it

[diajike]

7:50 she should be proud. This is very difficult art skill.

[sotpisal]

Cambodia 🇰🇭My Country
Sooo amazing 👏❤️️

[oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video so I gave it a Thumbs Up