Cambodia

The region that is now the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia has been inhabited since prehistoric times. For over 2,000 years Cambodia’s civilization absorbed influences from India and China and, in turn, transferred them to neighbouring societies. This created a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, French colonialism, Angkorian culture, and modern globalization. Unfortunately, the 20th century was a time of much turmoil for the people of Cambodia, due to war, occupation by the Japanese, postwar independence, and political instability. In the late 1970s, the country was devastated by the reign of the Khmer Rouge, a rural communist guerrilla movement. Demining efforts to remove bombs and landmines are still ongoing.

Here at the store, look for jewelry made from brass bomb casings, safely cleared by a demining agency and transformed into a wearable statement of peace and progress. You may also find variously sized eco-friendly bags made from recycled feed bags, and several spice mixes.