Preserving and developing traditional bamboo and rattan weaving

Bamboo and rattan products are displayed at the Congress of Delegates of Muong Sai Commune Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term.

The Thai ethnic people weave rattan and bamboo products, such as trays, chairs, fishing nets, baskets, trays, etc., from rattan and bamboo and have passed down through many generations. Mr. Quang Van Ut, Bua Bon village, Muong Sai commune, who has been involved in the weaving profession for many years, shared: This profession requires meticulousness and dexterity in each stage, with techniques such as weaving single and double skeins, squares, horizontal and vertical nesting, and cross weaving. The finished products are smoked in the kitchen loft to prevent termites and ensure long-term use.

In April 2022, the Muong E Commune Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Cooperative was established with 15 members. With the support of the Management Board of the Sustainable Forest Management and Biological Conservation Project of Son La Province, members were able to visit, receive training in weaving techniques, improve their skills and find outlets for their products. Mr. Lo Van Hoan, Head of the Cooperative, said: Each month, the group produces about 750 products, with prices ranging from 20,000 - 50,000 VND/product depending on the type. In addition, the group also weaves baskets, bamboo mats, etc. with prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 1 million VND/product. The products are mainly sold to traders in the province and some traders in the Hanoi area. The weaving profession not only preserves traditional cultural features but also helps members earn extra income during off-season farming, making effective use of local labor.

Currently, the Thai, Dao, La Ha, Khang, Mong ethnic groups... still preserve and develop the traditional weaving craft. The whole province has 8 groups and cooperatives specializing in producing traditional handicrafts, including bamboo and rattan weaving, typically the Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Association of Sub-region 19 (Mai Son Commune), Na Tau Village (Ngoc Chien Commune), Bon Village (Muong Chien Commune)... weaving baskets, trays, chopsticks, winnowing trays, winnowing baskets, rattan trays, rattan chairs... with diverse designs, colors, quality and high applicability.

Recently, the province has implemented a vocational training project for rural workers, including traditional handicrafts. Wicker products are regularly displayed at cultural and sports festivals at the grassroots level, and are also ordered by tourism cooperatives for interior decoration, such as hats, mats, lanterns, etc. Some localities also introduce handicraft products to tourists, combining experiential tourism and gifts.

Ms. Luu Thi Thu Hien, Deputy Head of the Department of Industrial Promotion and Development, Provincial Center for Investment - Trade and Tourism Promotion, said: The functional sectors continue to coordinate with communes with potential to promote propaganda and product promotion; organize displays and exhibitions; encourage artisans to teach their profession to the younger generation. At the same time, survey communes and villages in need of support for the development of traditional handicrafts to open training classes to improve skills and product quality; connect with businesses, cooperatives, and tourism units to find outlets for handicraft products... Thereby, contributing to preserving traditional culture and increasing income for people.

Each rattan and bamboo product is made with the cultural story of each ethnic group. Maintaining and developing the traditional rattan and bamboo weaving profession not only contributes to preserving the cultural identity of ethnic groups, but also opens up a direction for economic development associated with exploiting the labor force and potential of localities in the province.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/bao-ton-va-phat-trien-nghe-may-tre-dan-truyen-thong-nISiSklHg.html