IKTT Village
Project for Wisdom from the Forest(PWF)
IKTT aims to pass on traditional textile knowledge to younger generations and revitalize these traditions. In this process, we have learned that weaving traditions were nurtured within a rich natural environment. The revival of traditional textiles cannot be considered without the surrounding nature. Listening to villagers, we realized that a reciprocal relationship—giving back to nature—is essential. Such practices have been cultivated as part of people’s traditional experiences.
In the past, villagers had easy access to Lac insects and dyeing plants. Restoring the natural environment where these lac insects grow is key to reviving ikat colors. Every village once had small forests that supported villagers’ lives—living forests. The institute began calling these areas the 'Traditional Forest' and started a regeneration plan. This became the 'Project for Wisdom from the forest' in Siem Reap.
In 2002, Morimoto and 23 young people from TAKO village began cultivating the IKTT Village. By 2023, it has grown into a village of over 100 people, including staff and their families.
The History of IKTT Village
In November 1999, I was flying from Phnom Penh to Bangkok. Looking out the window at the mountains along the Thai border, I saw dense forests below. At that moment, the word 'forest' came to me, and I thought, 'Let's create a forest.
I immediately sketched the idea in my notebook: a rich forest, a village surrounded by it, where weaving skills are passed from mother to daughter. That sketch closely resembles the village we have today.
Morimoto’s Sketch of the IKTT Village
