Empowering Bunong heritage, the Krama Weaving Group, part of the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ project, modernizes traditional weaving, enhancing efficiency and cultural preservation. With a focus on community collaboration, it introduces innovative techniques to scale production, currently engaging 34 women from Pu Rang and Pu Tang villages.
The Krama Weaving Group is a new initiative under the livelihood improvement program of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ project, collaborating closely with communities to introduce a more efficient method for producing the traditional craft of weaving.
Krama weaving is a traditional craft deeply rooted in Cambodian culture. The Krama, a versatile garment, is often worn as a scarf, headwrap, or makeshift bag. Involving intricate techniques passed down through generations, Krama weaving sees artisans skillfully interlace threads to create beautiful patterns. These woven creations are not only practical attire but also hold deep cultural significance, symbolizing identity, heritage, and unity.
Traditionally, Krama weaving employs a backstrap loom, allowing weavers to control tension and create intricate designs. While historically labor-intensive, recent initiatives like the Krama Weaving Group at the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary aim to revitalize and enhance traditional practices, making the process more efficient and sustainable while preserving Cambodian cultural heritage. The project has collaborated with the community to introduce a new weaving technique to help scale production, with the weaving group currently comprising 34 members, all women from Pu Rang and Pu Tang villages.
