A Brief Silk Production in Cambodia During the 2

　　Prepared by: Mr. PAV Eang Khoing, Silk Production Director, Artisan Angkor Co. Ltd 　　

　　During the 20th century, the sericulture (silk-making process) in Cambodia went through major phases of growth and decline Following World War I, the silk production reached 150 tons a year. It developed around the Tonlé Sap Lake and on the Mekong islands located in the provinces of Kampot, Kompong Thom, Battambang and Siem Reap. At the end of 1960’s, the silk production started to decline and hardly reached 20 tons a year. This was mainly due to the conversion of the lands into agricultural areas. Since 1970’s, the endless conflicts and Khmer Rouge regime harshly stopped the silk-making activity, destroyed the mulberry trees, the silkworm breeding farms and the handing over of those skills. 

　　In 1980’s, two silk production hubs slowly started to get reorganized: a breeding area located in the Banteay Meanchey province (northwestern part of Cambodia) and a zone specializing in weaving in the southeastern provinces of Takeo, Kandal, Kampong Cham and Prey Veng. Nowadays, the regions of Phnom Srok and Takeo are two expanding silk production centers which managed to preserve their skills in silkworm breeding, dyeing and traditional weaving. More and more local individuals now try to revive this unique production of “Golden Silk” (made from yellow cocoons) which is particular to Cambodia. Artisan Angkor also strives to maintain this activities and hand over this skill.