Cambodia today marked the first anniversary of the inscription of Krama Khmer (Cambodian scarf) on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In a social media post this morning, Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen said that the Krama Khmer is not only a daily accessory for Cambodians from ancient times to the present, but also a powerful symbol of the nation’s rich culture and identity. It is present in all aspects of life – from daily work in rural areas and national or religious festivals to being offered as a cherished gift.
“All Cambodians have a collective duty to continue preserving, protecting, and promoting the art of weaving and the use of Krama Khmer as a heritage for future generations,” he underlined.
The inscription of Krama Khmer on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity took place during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay on Dec. 4, 2024.
In 2018, Cambodia broke the Guinness World Record for the Longest Krama, measuring 1,149.8 metres in length and 88 centimetres in width.
To date, the Kingdom has registered four elements on the UNESCO Tangible Cultural Heritage List, six on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and three on the Memory of the World Register – preserving the original forms of Khmer culture, priceless ancestral heritage, and the historical record of the nation.
The 13 listed Cambodian heritage include:
1. Tangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Angkor Archeological Park listed on Dec. 14, 1992; Preah Vihear Temple on July 7, 2008; Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex on July 8, 2017; and Koh Ker Archeological Site on Sept. 17, 2023.
2. Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet) inscribed on Nov. 7, 2003; Lkhon Sbek Thom, the big shadow puppet theatre, on Nov. 25, 2005; Tean Prot (tug-of-war) on Dec. 2, 2015; Chapei Dang Veng, Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar, on Nov. 30, 2016; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet on Nov. 28, 2018; and Kun Lbokator, traditional martial art, on Nov. 29, 2022.
3. Memory of the World Register: Tuol Sleng Genocide Archives registered on July 31, 2009, the Audio file of Reamker by Ta Krut on May 15, 2014; the story of Inav Bosiba on Oct. 30, 2017.
