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MANAVA: Take Home a Story. Sustain a Community.
Take Home a Story. Sustain a Community.
For centuries, Cambodia has been home to master artisans across countless disciplines. Wander through the magnificent temples of Angkor, and you will be mesmerized by the exquisite sculptures and intricate stone carvings, bearing witness to a timeless heritage. Behold the immense statues, majestically hewn from solid sandstone, testaments to unparalleled skill.
The Kingdom is also the undisputed specialist in the delicate art of silk weaving, producing textiles of breathtaking beauty.
However, decades of conflict led to the devastating loss of many of these irreplaceable artisans. However, over the past 20 years, a powerful and inspiring resurgence has taken hold! Ancient crafts are triumphantly making their return, breathing new life into local communities.
Among these revived traditions is the beautiful art of rattan weaving. In numerous villages across the province of Siem Reap, you can observe dedicated women, the heart of this revival, skillfully working the rattan. This precious knowledge is lovingly passed down from generation to generation—mothers teaching their daughters—ensuring the safeguarding of this vital manual skill.
While the primary product of their labor are durable and beautiful baskets, each piece is more than just an object; it is a profound connection to their past and a hopeful statement for their future!
The MANAVA Story: Designing Hope, Crafting Futures
The team of Cambodian Travel Partner visit MANAVA. MANAVA is more than just a company—it is a movement of hope, ignited in 2016! They stand as a vibrant social enterprise, driven by a singular, powerful mission: to champion and empower rural Cambodian artisanal women, securing a stable, sustainable, and brilliant future for them and their families.
The vision was born from a perfect partnership. Founder, Ka-Lai Chan, is a Dutch designer with profound Asian roots, bringing a decade of sophisticated expertise from working with the world’s most renowned international design brands. Alongside her is the invaluable co-founder, Baraing Tho, a passionate local Khmer man whose impressive background includes years of impactful work with creative NGOs right here in Cambodia.
Together, Ka-Lai and Baraing are leading this inspired journey, working shoulder-to-shoulder with 24 incredible female artisans. These dedicated women, the very heart of MANAVA, reside in the close-knit community of Krobey Riel village, located just 10 kilometers outside the city of Siem Reap. Their hands weave not just beautiful products, but the very fabric of their community’s resurgence!
Imagine materials born from the very soul of the Cambodian landscape! They proudly work with the magnificent “pdau” rattan palm and the delicate “la paek” willow grass. These vibrant, fast-growing treasures are not just found; they flourish throughout the Kingdom, a testament to its abundant natural beauty.
The commitment goes deeper than beauty—it is rooted in respect for the earth. They are passionate believers in sustainable harvests! Every strand they gather is done with meticulous care, lovingly limited to ensure perpetual future growth, allowing nature to replenish itself season after glorious season.
The rattan they champion is a marvel of resilience, thriving in the life-giving lakes and rivers. Forget the rigid, thick rattan of the mountains and forests! The special variety is inherently flexible and beautifully thin, possessing an incredible ability to spring back and regrow year after year. Making it the perfect, enduring choice for their exquisite creations.
Weaving Magic: Our Rattan Workshop Experience!
The team at Cambodian Travel Partner was granted the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in a workshop hosted by the inspiring team at MANAVA!
The experience unfolded just outside the bustling city of Siem Reap, a refreshing escape into the tranquil, green Cambodian countryside. Here, nestled among the rural landscape, stands a house—more than just a building, it’s a vibrant hub! It serves as the cherished meeting place where local women gather to weave their stunning rattan creations. Also where our unforgettable workshop took place.
First our journey began with a deep dive into the essence of the craft. We were passionately taught about the remarkable rattan itself, learning the intricate steps of preparation before the weaving can even begin. With only simple, time-honored tools, the rattan is meticulously cleaned and carefully split into four delicate strands.
Then, it was time to roll up our sleeves! We enthusiastically dove into the hands-on creation of our own rattan keychain. It was undeniably challenging at first—a true test of dexterity! But as the minutes turned into rhythm, we found our groove, gaining confidence and momentum. Under the watchful eyes and patient guidance of a true expert, our efforts culminated in a beautiful, proudly finished rattan souvenir. The sense of accomplishment was immense!
Witnessing the artisans at work—the women who dedicate their days to producing exquisite baskets, bags, bowls, and countless other products. It was simply breathtaking. It is not just weaving; it is pure, unadulterated mastery of their craft.
In conclusion: We absolutely cherished this workshop and wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone! It is truly a remarkable experience:
- You learn a beautiful, ancient skill.
- You engage in a hands-on, creative process.
- You connect authentically with the wonderful local community.
- You directly support dignified, sustainable employment for many talented women.
- You take home a precious, handmade souvenir.
Finally, we want to thank MANAVA, for this truly profound and beautiful experience!
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