[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Who would have thought that the simple little ball of fiber that is cotton is the source of so many wonders? With millennia of history behind it, cotton weaves the threads of culture and economy throughout the world, and is even the ally of our most delicate skins.
Cotton, the undisputed king of the textile industry, has nurtured civilization after civilization. From America to Africa, from ancient India to modern-day Cambodia, this versatile plant fiber has been adapted and adopted by people everywhere. His Majesty Cotton reigns not only over our closets, but also over the international economic landscape, occupying a prominent place in trade.
Considered a symbol of tradition and elegance, cotton is patiently woven by hand by Cambodian craftsmen who, thread by thread, create one-of-a-kind scarves (krama), a veritable treasure trove of textile craftsmanship.
We invite you to join us on this journey through time and space to discover the incredible history of cotton. A story that will reveal how this simple little plant conquered the world[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10593″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
On the cotton roads: a journey through time
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]It is now recognized that cotton originally flourished simultaneously in different parts of the world. The first traces of its use date back almost 7,000 years. Fragments of cotton fabric have been discovered at Mehrgarh, one of the earliest known agricultural sites, located in present-day Pakistan. Add to this the discovery of wild cotton in caves in Mexico dating back some 5,000 years, and a global panorama of ancient cotton begins to take shape.
Over the millennia, cotton traveled along the Silk Road to Europe and beyond, eventually landing in a multitude of variants of all shapes and colors. The Egyptians cultivated it along the fertile Nile valley, perfecting the art of spinning and weaving it, creating fabrics of a quality that remains legendary. The Greeks and Romans adopted cotton and were key agents in its spread to western lands.
A milestone in cotton’s history was its encounter with the industrial world, which revolutionized its use. The industrial revolution of the 18th century propelled cotton to the forefront of the world stage, thanks to the invention of the cotton spinning machine and the hydraulic cotton press. Cotton consumption then became exponential, leading to an unprecedented boom in the world cotton trade.
But how did cotton come to Cambodia? Cotton arrived in Cambodia via international trade. Quickly adopted by local craftsmen, it became the material of choice for weaving traditional textiles, notably the Cambodian cotton scarf. This cotton scarf, known as Krama, has become an essential component of Cambodian cultural identity.
Today, in Cambodia as elsewhere, cotton remains firmly rooted in the textile industry. Like the cotton thread that stretches but doesn’t break, its history is a testament to its resilience and adaptability.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Cambodian cotton?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The transformation of the history of Cambodian cotton is intrinsically linked to the history of the country itself, since cotton plays such a vital role in Cambodian textile craftsmanship, particularly in the manufacture of Cambodian scarves and other everyday garments.
The cotton is spun into threads, which are then used to weave the Krama by hand using an ancestral technique. The Krama is a true national symbol, worn by millions of Cambodians, both urban and rural (but if you’re already familiar with our Krama Krama scarf brand, you’ll already have this information).
As early as the 19th century, Cambodia began mass producing cotton to meet the growing demand of the textile industry. However, the Khmer Rouge era in the 70s marked a tragic break in this growth, with the massive destruction of cotton fields and production workshops. Cambodian cotton, renowned for its exceptional quality, saw its production virtually wiped out.
Since then, Cambodia’s cotton industry has enjoyed an impressive renaissance. Today, the country is once again producing high-quality cotton, and Cambodian handicrafts – in particular the famous Cambodian scarf – are regaining their former renown. Unfortunately, production in the Kingdom of Cambodia is still low, and prices are often prohibitive, while demand is as strong as ever, which is why the cotton used comes mainly from neighboring countries such as China and India.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10599″ img_size=”600×600″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
The future of cotton
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Cotton, the mainstay of the textile industry, is resolutely looking to the future. Textile scientists and engineers are working to make cotton growing more sustainable and more respectful of the ecosystem. This includes the use of pest-resistant cotton varieties, reducing the need for pesticides, and improving irrigation efficiency to cut water use.
That’s why on Krama Krama we’re trying to offer more and more Cambodian scarves in silk and linen, natural fibers that are more responsible and ecological.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]
