The colors are often in combinations of yellow, red or black sometimes shading into brown or midnight blue or rich purple. Leak or lac, is an insect nest similar to a cocoon that produces a deep red color. The silver used by Cambodian silversmiths is imported from neighboring countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong to be crafted into the ornate Khmer filigree. Silver craft reach its height during the 11th century when the crafted objects were used primarily by the royal family and the upper class for ceremonial purposes, religious and funerary rites. Today the craftsmen produce intricate bowls in the shape of fruits, elephants, deer, wild pigs, fish and goats.
Wood carving reflects the strong spiritual beliefs with roots in animism.
The pillars of houses and the elaborate motives of moons, stars, fruits and flowers are an indication of spiritual beliefs. Miniature carved spirit houses are used to make offerings of food, flowers and incense. The spirit house is also believed to be the home of the original owner of the land and therefore must be placed where the owner will be happy. If the spirit is not happy, it may decide to live with the current owner, haunting him at night and bringing ill fortune. In Siem Reap, under a stilted house, I spotted three generations of women laughing and go shipping while their fingers deftly shape pencil-tick reeds into traditional platters, baskets, plates and bowls.