>[!NOTE]+ Meta Author:: [[Sharon Tsang-de Lyster]] Tags:: #Cambodia #textiles WeftLinks:: [[Cultural value of craft]] [[Claim - Craft strengthens relationships between members of a cultural group]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Cambodian culture was strengthened by the intervention of a Japanese designer to save the knowledge left in a few old grandmothers. ### Highlights Cambodian silk Ikat has been regarded throughout history as some of the most beautiful in the world; however, in 1995 this art form was all but dead. Between 1967-1975 Cambodia was ravaged by civil war, much of the land was destroyed and villagers were forced to leave their local artisan skills behind. Inspired by the beauty and skill of the craft, Kikuo Morimoto brought knowledge, nature, creativity, and hard work together to revive the craft. Moved by a research trip he took in 1995, Morimoto learnt that there were only a few old grandmothers left with the knowledge and skill to produce fine silk. He realised that if he did not act quickly the next generation would pass away and their expertise with them. Founded by Morimoto, IKTT has made a significant impact on the preservation of hôl, helping Cambodian women pass down their knowledge of dyeing and weaving to the next generation. > “Old Cambodian Ikat is more than merely beautiful, it is a fabric infused with something deeper, a call to a forgotten wilderness, to the blood that runs beneath our skins, to a passionate cry for life and living. It has been passed down from generation to generation as support of the everyday lives of a people living in a specific culture and natural environment.” - Kikuo Morimoto Film: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rDJ34GoyDJs?start=190" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDJ34GoyDJs&t=188s Ref: https://www.ikttearth.org/ http://tissusetartisansdumonde.fr/en/kikuo-morimoto-the-soul-of-ikat/