Story of krama

When referring to Cambodia, images which come to your mind were of course the smiles of its
inhabitants, the Khmers. Their eyes and smiles contrast with the dramatic history of the country,
and with the present situation as well, as Cambodia remains one of the poorest nations in South
East Asia. Another image also imposes on first time visitors: the kramas. The scarf and its
various patterns are ubiquitous, the real symbol of the
country. They are part of the Cambodian history and a
legacy passed through generations.

Scarves woven in the countryside

Originally, the krama was a fabric that Khmer women
wove themselves. They used to collect cotton (samley)
that was then spread before being soaked in rice for 2 or 3
days. Parts of the threads were then tinged in red before
starting the weaving. The rich, on the other hand,
preferred to use silk because the fabric would remain
cool in the summer, but also to distinguish themselves
from the peasants. The krama reflected the status of its
owner.

A scarf to do everything!
The traditional krama, with small red and white – or blue
and white tiles, is available these days in a multitude of colors as you can see with our Angkor
Temples collection of cotton scarves or our True Colors collection. Men, women and children
wear it, in all areas, and its relevance in everyday life gives it its symbolic value. Its uses are as
such: headgear to protect from the sun, swimwear, belts … Robust, it can even turn into an
additional bicycle seat for a baby, once tied to both handlebar grips! Finally, children play “Cha-
ol Chong” with a curled up krama, a sort of Cambodian equivalent of our dodge ball.

But, of course, Khmers first see this scarf as a piece of legacy, claiming their membership
of Cambodia by wearing the Krama.

A strong symbol
Former Khmers Rouge sympathizers, or families who supported this regime, are still present in
parts of Cambodia. Those people do not mind wearing a red krama. In contrast, those who
opposed the regime or have suffered from it can be shocked by such a statement. Even if we tend
to remember more recent historical facts, it is important to overcome the legacy of those
dramatic years and remember that the krama has older origins.
The Krama is the foremost symbol of a people whose courage and dignity has allowed them
to overcome the very challenges it has suffered. This piece of fabric accompanied the Khmers
throughout their history and did so for centuries. Faithful companion, always helpful
(Cambodian repair their bicycle tires by filling them with kramas!), reliable to the end, this
simple scarf alone represents many values which are attached to the Khmers. Today, the country
begins rebuilding his society. The younger generation has received the scarf as the legacy and the
spirit it embodies.

Through the many patterns of kramas that are now available, one should see the symbol of the
revival of Cambodia. The country is changing and these scarves embody the desire of a people
that is opened to the world, while maintaining its own values … and of course without losing its
smile!