Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE IRON KUY OF CAMBODIA
The Kuy are an ethnic minority found in northern Cambodia, southern Laos and northeastern Thail-
and. In Cambodia, the Kuy have long been renowned as smelters and smiths. It is thought that the Kuy
may have produced iron - used for weaponry, tools and construction supports - since the Angkorian
period.
The Kuy stopped smelting iron around 1950, but high-quality smithing continues to be practised in
some communities. When travelling along NH64 between Kompong Thom and Preah Vihear City, it
is possible to stop at Rumchek , about 2km south of the iron mines of Phnom Dek. Kuy smith Mr Ma
Thean lives in Rumchek and can produce a traditional Kuy jungle knife in just one hour. The experi-
ence includes a chance to work the bellows and is a good way to support a dying art.
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