Mat weaving is a widespread seasonal occupation in Cambodia. The best-known types are made from river reeds, left in their natural blonde colour or dyed in rich jewel tones. The Mekong floodplains are known for their mat-weavers, particularly around Lvea Em district in Kandal Province. Vine mats from the country’s north west are cut from the forest. Mats are one of the few locally-made items that have not been replaced by imports, and are laid out for guests in every Cambodian home. Matting is also an important building material used in making village homes and internal dividing walls.