Palilay Handicrafts Generate Income for Craftswomen
Neam Voeun, 69, said she has been weaving mats since she was 10 years old. Photo by Rin Ousa
- By Rin Ousa
- March 21, 2024 3:15 PM
SIEM REAP – Khmer products store Palilay handicraft provides an income for craftswomen in Siem Reap province.
Inspired by a temple in the ancient capital of Angkor Thom called Preah Palilay, the shop was established in 2018. It aims to promote the unique skills local people by using organic raw materials including water hyacinth to make bags, kramas (scarves), paintings and mats.
Neam Voeun, 69, said she has been weaving mats since she was 10 years old.
Originally from Angkor Thom district, she weaves the mats for Palilay handicraft and for customers abroad.
Almost all the money from selling mats is given to old craftswomen.
“Despite my old age, I am still enthusiastic about weaving these traditional mattresses, not to mention mainly about the income but I intend to see young people know more about Khmer culture,” Voeun said.
“Weaving one mattress requires half of a month to finish yet I am wholeheartedly happy doing this job,” she said.
Another craftswoman, Lem Chhinh, said in addition to promoting Khmer culture, this handicraft has created job opportunities for all of
them.
“It promotes workforce participation by gathering old and impoverished ladies from different areas in Siem Reap province to gather here in one community,” Chhinh said.
“Up until now, there are around ten families that help make these products. And our life is getting better now.
“The products experienced limited support when it was first launched yet our handicraft is getting more recognized now,” she said.
Thanks to strong support from national and international customers, craftswomen can earn more from making these local products.
Chhinh said the duration varies depending on the size of the product.
“Normally, it takes around four to five days to finish making one bag, not to mention the time starting from taking water hyacinths from the river or lake and processes to dry them,” she said.
“Most widely bought products in the store are bags and kramas. It can be carried to a wedding ceremony, trip, market or for other personal purposes. The bag looks more stunning on those who wear our Khmer traditional clothes.
“Krama is also popular in the store and customers generally put on krama when going to the pagoda,” she said.
She said quality is not something that the customers need to be concerned about. Customers will always be kept informed about the use and cleaning techniques. The staff always welcome customers if there is any damage.
“So far, we have seen stronger support from local Khmer customers than international customers,” she said.
“Customers can also observe the process of making each product by just visiting our store physically. We do not hide from them.
“Customers can also tell us their preferable designs so that we can customize them according to their preferences.
To support Khmer local raw materials, all of them are bought from villagers based in Siem Reap province.
