Photographer Macy CastaƱeda-Lee has documented the widespread laundry industry in Siem Reap, Cambodia, highlighting its integral role in the local economy and community life. The services, which often provide supplementary income for rural populations, are linked to the region's tourism, particularly around the Angkor Wat complex. Observations from the documentation include the industry's reliance on natural resources, the involvement of local families, and cultural perspectives on the work.
Overview of Laundry Industry
Macy CastaƱeda-Lee's photographic documentation, conducted during an early February visit, focused on laundry operations in Siem Reap, Cambodia. These operations are observed throughout the region, including areas outside the city center and near rice and lotus fields. The laundry industry serves as a symbol reflecting the economic and health standards for Cambodian and Khmer people.
Economic and Community Role
The growth of laundry services in the outskirts of Siem Reap is connected to the region's tourism, driven by the Angkor Wat complex. These services provide supplementary income for rural communities, with a small load of laundry typically costing approximately 4,000 Cambodian riel, or about one U.S. dollar. CastaƱeda-Lee's project aimed to document the workers who contribute to Cambodian tourism through these services.
Laundry practices also offer practical benefits and involve various community members. For example, brothers Sothea and Bong Chea utilize hanging laundry as a barrier against insects and generate income by washing neighbors' clothes. Children in these communities frequently assist their families with laundry tasks, often scrubbing clothes in basins. Some families manage multiple businesses; Vonn Da Li Na and his wife operate a hair salon and a laundry service. Vonn Da Li Na noted the extensive time required for their business's laundry, in addition to their personal laundry, and expressed a wish for resources like washing machines to expedite the process.
Resource Reliance and Challenges
The Siem Reap River is a common water source for many laundry businesses. This reliance on the river is attributed to limited access to water in some communities. Honme Thana, a mother of three, stated that her community depends on the river and that she is adapting to utilizing natural resources. Concerns regarding sanitation have been noted in relation to this practice.
Cultural Observations and Future Documentation
CastaƱeda-Lee observed a sense of serenity among individuals performing laundry. It was noted that people often sit quietly without distractions. This stillness was observed as potentially influenced by Buddhist beliefs, which emphasize patience and meditation. CastaƱeda-Lee plans to continue documenting this evolving aspect of community life in Siem Reap.