The unique silver crafting of the Cham people in Khanh Hoa

In the Cham village of Bau Truc (Ninh Phuoc commune, Khanh Hoa province), there is still a family that preserves the traditional craft of handcrafted silver engraving, creating exquisite products for the spiritual rituals of the Cham people.

Báo Sài Gòn Giải phóng•31/05/2026

When mentioning Bau Truc Cham village in Ninh Phuoc commune ( Khanh Hoa province), many people immediately think of its famous centuries-old traditional pottery making. However, few know that this place also preserves another traditional craft - the craft of silver engraving.

Artisan Dang Thi My Tram has been involved in the silver engraving craft for over 40 years. Photo: TIEN THANG

Although not yet widely known, the exquisite products of silversmithing are quietly contributing to the preservation of the spiritual rituals of the Cham people throughout the country.

We visited the home of artisan Dang Thi My Tram, one of the few remaining practitioners of the traditional silver engraving craft in Bau Truc village.

In the small house that serves as both a living space and a workshop, the rhythmic sound of hammers blends with the grinding of metal. From the skillful hands of the artisans, products with intricate patterns bearing the distinctive mark of Cham culture are being completed.

Next, the product is polished. Photo: TIEN THANG

According to artisan Dang Thi My Tram, the craft of silver engraving has been passed down through many generations in her family. Her father, artisan Dang Giao Chuc, taught her the craft. She then passed it on to her husband, and now to her two daughters. To date, her family has been involved in silver engraving for nearly half a century, following the tradition of "father passing it down to daughter," becoming the only family in the Cham village of Bau Truc that still maintains this traditional craft.

Engraving patterns is considered the most difficult step in the silversmithing craft. Photo: TIEN THANG

To become a skilled craftsman, besides talent, one needs perseverance and a love for the profession. Each product goes through many stages, from shaping and metalworking to carving patterns. In particular, the carving process demands meticulousness and absolute precision to create motifs of dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and other cultural symbols characteristic of the Cham people.

"The craftsman needs diligence, perseverance, and meticulous attention to detail in every stroke to create beautiful, durable products that earn the trust of customers," said artisan Dang Thi My Tram.

Following in the family tradition, Ms. Kinh Thi Mong Ngung is one of two daughters currently practicing the craft. Sitting at her workbench, she meticulously perfects every small detail on the product. She says that the early days of learning the craft were quite difficult because even a small mistake could ruin the entire product.

“This profession is very difficult, requiring perseverance and a passion for the craft. When I first started learning, I ruined many products. But because I wanted to preserve my family's craft, I persevered. Carving patterns is the most difficult step, so it took many years to master it,” Ms. Mong Ngung shared.

Silver products serve the cultural needs of the Cham people. Photo: TIEN THANG

Having dedicated decades to the craft, the family of artisan My Tram has produced thousands of products serving the Cham people in Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong , and many other localities. The products mainly consist of items used in the coming-of-age rituals of the Cham Ba Ni people, such as: hair cutting knives, lime containers, water cups, betel trays, betel boxes, betel nut holders, etc.

Previously, these items were often made of pure silver. However, due to the rising price of silver, many products are now made of aluminum, while still retaining the same design, patterns, and traditional cultural value.

At times, the products made are not enough to supply all the orders. This traditional craft not only provides a stable income for the family but also contributes to preserving the unique cultural values of the Cham community.