Sandra Shamis' collection

Another one of my sister's interesting arrangements of her (gift) textiles:In the center, a Khmer "pidan"; on either side, new Khmer silk ikat;
underneath, a brightly colored Burmese commercial cotton sarong. Although both men and women wear sarongs in Burma, this particular pattern is for men. (See Frazer-Lu on Burma) The "pidan" is an ikat textile in the service of Cambodian Theravada Buddhism. It is meant as a meditation aid for those preparing for death, presenting a view of Paradise to come. After cremation the "pidan" would be hung outside the deceased's dwelling, as a sign of mourning.

The Khmer letters spell "Kampuchea". This silk textile is now made commercially, and has been sold both inside and outside of Cambodia since the fall of the Khmer Rouge. The ikat is totally without a personal touch; this design is executed by the dozens, all exactly the same, at least in the size shown here. Our larger one is simply two uncut panels.