PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's Krama, a traditional woven textile, was inscribed on Unesco's representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity on Wednesday (Dec 4), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said.
The inscription was made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay.
"The Krama is woven not only from thread, but from the identity and spirit of our people," he said in a special message on the Krama's inscription.
He said it was a symbol that resonated in the hearts of Cambodians, from every farmer to every artisan carrying memories and traditions across generations.
"From birth to life end, the Krama serves as a constant, loyal companion, embodying resilience, adaptability, and unity," he said.
"It shields farmers from the sun, provides warmth, comforts newborns, and stands as an emblem of our agrarian heritage," he added.
Manet said the Krama's inscription on the Unesco representative list is a moment of shared pride and profound meaning for Cambodia.
"On behalf of the royal government of Cambodia, I affirm our enduring commitment to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage," he said.
"We pledge to sustain and support the bearers, practitioners, and communities dedicated to their Krama, and to uphold the rich tapestry of Cambodian heritage, ensuring that future generations will continue to inherit and cherish this cultural legacy, safeguarding the Krama with respect and reference," he added.
To date, the Southeast Asian nation has four tangible cultural properties and seven intangible cultural heritages listed on Unesco's prestigious world heritage list.
The listed tangible cultural properties include the Angkor Archaeological Park, Preah Vihear Temple, Koh Ker Archaeological Site, and Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site. The listed intangible cultural heritages are the Royal Ballet; Sbek Thom or Khmer Shadow Puppetry; tug-of-war game; Chapei Dang Veng, a long-necked, two-stringed lute; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet, a masked dance-theater; Kun Lbokator, traditional martial arts; and Krama. - Xinhua
