Variations in loom construction exist as a result of variations
in access to technological improvements, weaving types, and cash
access. A loom at its 
most basic
is one step up from a 
back-strap loom.
Here the weavers in Kam Pong Speu use the loom to weave cotton
mix kroma. These are for resale in the local and Phnom Penh markets.
Compared to 
these looms being constructed
to provide full width (1 to 1.4 m width) silk. These looms are
part of the "Caisse de Development Francaise" efforts to bring Cambodian
silk weaving in line with international cloth standards.
Here Mrs. Som
weaves the beautiful, but uneven thread produced in the village of Kam Pong Speu. Kam Pong Speu is
one of seven villages who participate in Khemara's rural development program.
This loom 
produces material
which is only 70 cm in width. It is left in its natural state without dyeing and
has no design. Traditionally this silk was woven for home use. When it is finished
the women dye it black and in the village it is worn by older women in the family.
The ikat design is typically produced on the more advanced looms and primary
production is in Kam Pong Cham and Takeo. Here the production of silk thread
no longer takes place and the women weave thread imported from Vietnam and Thailand.
Please click 
here
if you would like to see the silk growing revitalization efforts.
Click here for weaving techniques
.
