Japanese NGO Caring for Young Khmer (CYK) has donated 40 examples of pidan – a type of finely detailed woven silk cloth used in traditional Cambodian ceremonies – to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

It is hoped that the gifts, made by the young artisans of the NGO, will help to raise awareness of the richness of Khmer intangible heritage.

Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi presented the pieces to culture minister Phoeurng Sackona during a February 4 ceremony, held at the National Museum of Cambodia.

The pidan – often used as canopies or tapestries during special events and Buddhist ceremonies – will be preserved at the museum. This is the third time the NGO has made similar donations, with 25 examples of its work being gifted since 2014.

“These beautiful examples of pidan will be added to our vital collection, which reflects the richness of the intangible heritage of Khmer silks in the last decade,” said the culture ministry. 

It added that the pidan depict the daily practices, lives and beliefs of ordinary Cambodian people, especially in relation to their Buddhist faith.

The preservation of the delicate silk treasures at the museum will be an invaluable tool for future students and researchers to learn more about the distinct styles of Khmer textiles.

The ministry also called for the public to contribute to the collection with their own pidan or other textiles, in order to encourage the greater general public to play their part in contributing to the preservation of the Kingdom’s intangible heritage.