Artisans dAngkor, an institute that brings back the glory of ancient art and culture through training students by skilled craftsmen of the region. This is indeed a unique project through which some of the finest Cambodian souvenirs are made. The Artisans d'Angkor pioneered in 1998 as a three year project whose objective was primarily to support and promotes the Khmer art and culture by educating and providing jobs to rural youngsters who showed interest in the traditional arts. Today this project is a thriving self-financing organization.
Take a tour of this amazing complex where every detail would be explained to you by a professional guide. A total of five workshops can be found in the complex each dedicated to a different craft. Each type of handicraft has a wealth of history that is both interesting and displays skilful work of art. The Silver painting is one such work, originating from the Oudong Period, it is a rare art which was known to only a few people of Cambodia. The other popular work is the craft of silk weaving, a tradition that goes back to the 13th century and produces some of the most beautiful pieces of work. This vocation is more popular among the womenfolk of rural villages where producing the most famous silk Ikat is common. The Stone Carving Art is what comes straight from the Khmer era whose beauty can be admired in the ancient Angkor temples. One other skilful work of Art is the Wood carving that can be observed on ancient woodwork of buildings and furniture. These are meticulously performed using the wood mostly of Rubber Tree and precious wood for the more special items.
A retail outlet in the complex has plenty of excellent quality handicrafts for sale. The most intricate observance to detail can be seen in their range of handcrafted products. Take home a souvenir or two of this fine piece of work.
Siem Reap has so much more culture and interesting sites to see. Stay at an
Angkor Hotel and enjoy touring the fascinating sites of the city that only a
Hotel Siem Reap can afford. The finest is the Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor that gives you a perfect combination of centrality, luxury and comfort.
