| Abstract: |
This chapter reviews the many textiles depicted on sculpted images of the Angkor Period. Analysis of these carefully observed features affords a notable supplement to traditional archaeological and historical research methods. A comprehensive range of features of their ‘real’ existence was explored derived from literary and linguistic sources, evidence of the nature of the yarns, weaving technologies, and description of the cloth’s patterning techniques based on known examples. Extant cotton textiles of the period from India and silk textiles from China provide examples with which to compare patterns. The results indicate that locally produced, basic cotton cloth and, increasingly as time went on, imported cotton cloth with printed patterns from India became available at Angkor for dress and for interior decor. Silk cloth with woven brocade patterns was available from China but utilised for accessories and decor, not dress. The findings demonstrate social, cultural, and religious influences as well as commercial connections between the court at Angkor and the world beyond its domain.
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