Krama

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A krama​ (Khmer: ក្រមារ) is a sturdy traditional Cambodian garment with many uses, including as a scarf, bandanna, to carry children, to cover the face, and for decorative purposes. It is worn by men, women and children, and can be fairly ornate, though most typical kramas contain a gingham pattern of some sort.

A krama is almost universally worn by rural Cambodians. The scarves are made from cotton and the most famous kramas are found in Kampong Cham and Takéo provinces.

Kramas have a multitude of uses, they are primarily used to protect Cambodians from the sun, the dust, and the wind, and it is for this reason many tourists end up investing in one during a visit.

However, they are also slung around the waist as mini-sarongs, used as towels for drying the body, knotted at the neck as decorations, tied across the shoulders as baby carries, placed upon chairs or beds as pillow covers, used to tow broken-down motorcycles and stuffed inside motorcycle tires when one is punctured in a remote area.

Kramas are sold in markets throughout Cambodia and are an essential purchase for travelers using pickup trucks or taking boat services. They have become very much a symbol of Cambodia and for many Khmers, wearing one is an affirmation of their identity.