Knitting - Unique traditional craft of Khmer women in Soc Trang

Phuoc Quoi Hamlet (Phu Tan Commune) has long been famous for its bamboo and rattan weaving, a unique cultural feature of the Khmer people. Rustic and durable products such as baskets, trays, winnowing trays... used to be indispensable items in every family. However, with the development of society and the appearance of cheap industrial products, the traditional weaving profession has gradually lost its position. The young generation is no longer interested, the elderly craftsmen are also gradually disappearing, and the craft village is at risk of being lost.

Born and raised in a family with a tradition of making bamboo, Ms. Truong Thi Bach Thuy soon had a deep love for bamboo and the cultural values they bring. Witnessing the craft village gradually fading away, she always had a feeling in her heart. "Since I was a child, I have been attached to bamboo. Seeing my ancestors' craft gradually disappear, I felt very sad. I thought I had to do something to preserve this beauty, so that the next generation would know about it," Ms. Thuy shared.

With that in mind, Ms. Thuy not only inherits the sophisticated weaving techniques of the previous generation but also constantly researches and innovates to renew the products. She realizes that, to survive and develop, traditional products need to have a "new breath" to suit modern tastes.

Taking advantage of the available local resources, she has skillfully combined traditional weaving techniques with more diverse and sophisticated designs. Under the talented hands of her and the women in the village, lifeless bamboo trees have been transformed into unique handicraft products with high economic value such as fashion handbags, boxes, tea trays, decorative lamps... Each product is not only durable and beautiful but also carries within it the story of the culture and dedication of the craftsman.

Ms. Thuy's innovation was quickly accepted by the market. The products are not only consumed in the province but also reach out to many large markets across the country, highly appreciated by customers for their aesthetics and environmental friendliness.

More importantly, her model has created stable jobs for many Khmer women in Phuoc Quoi hamlet. She opens vocational training classes, enthusiastically guides and shares experiences, helping women earn more income, improve their lives and together preserve the traditional profession of the nation. Her facility has become a fulcrum where Khmer women can develop their skills, be economically independent and proud of their cultural identity.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/trai-nghiem-dan-dat-nghe-truyen-thong-doc-dao-cua-phu-nu-khmer-o-soc-trang-20250613002935967.htm