Making Cambodian Reed Mats by Hand is a Dying Art

[CEOCambodiaNews]

Reed made mats become less popular in recent years


Some villagers in a small hamlet in Lvea Em district’s Kandal province have abandoned reed-made mats due to their low popularity.
Villagers said that most of them in Peak Ta Ek village focus on cultivating corn, lotus, and rice rather than producing mats made of reeds.
Sok Chea, 45, a villager of Peam Ta Ek village in Peam Oknha Ang commune, said that she has produced mats for many years, a skill she inherited from her parents.

[newkidontheblock]

Reed made mats become less popular in recent years


Some villagers in a small hamlet in Lvea Em district’s Kandal province have abandoned reed-made mats due to their low popularity.
Villagers said that most of them in Peak Ta Ek village focus on cultivating corn, lotus, and rice rather than producing mats made of reeds.
Sok Chea, 45, a villager of Peam Ta Ek village in Peam Oknha Ang commune, said that she has produced mats for many years, a skill she inherited from her parents.

Sad to see a dying art.

If the villagers could make different shapes, colors, designs, patterns, maybe make a future in souvenirs?

[John Bingham]

These are more of a staple that most Cambodian families use. A market of millions which many survive on, not some tiny handcraft enterprise for tourists.