Skirt cloth

This textile known as 'sampot hol' is a Khmer woman's silk skirt cloth (sampot) patterned with resist-dyed weft (horizontal) ikat ('hol'). This piece has finely woven patterns in red against a black ground. Up until mid 19th century, Khmer textiles with elaborate patterns were also highly favoured by Thai aristrocracy who wore them as part of their ceremonial costumes. Today, however, they are worn more by Khmer women for festivals.