Meet the artisan family in Tay Ho village
The conical hats carry the soul of the countryside, containing within them a whole world of poetry and emotion.
Tay Ho village, Phu Ho commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien - Hue province, is not only famous for the beauty of the Nhu Y river but also for the traditional craft of making conical hats. The craft of making conical hats here has existed for hundreds of years, but it was the conical hat created around 1959 - 1960 that really brought the village's name closer to tourists. The initiative of artisan Bui Quang Bac has turned the traditional conical hat into a unique product, not only possessing artistic beauty but also containing soaring verses.
During our visit to Tay Ho village, we had the opportunity to meet the family of Mr. Hoang Van Minh, one of the village’s veteran artisans. Mr. Minh’s house is located near the banks of the Nhu Y River, and from afar we could see rows of green conical hats drying in the sun, a typical sight of the craft village. Mr. Minh and his family welcomed us with warmth and hospitality. In a cozy atmosphere, the whole family gathered around piles of conical hats and hat brims, full of concentration and diligence.
Mr. Minh shared: “The hat-making profession has been preserved and developed by my family for many generations. For us, this is not only a job but also a source of pride in the culture and traditions of our homeland.”
The image of Mr. Minh, his wife and children diligently making conical hats not only reflects their deep attachment to the traditional craft but also highlights the love and dedication they have for this job.
Poem hat making process
Poem hats are born under the skillful, meticulous hands of skilled craftsmen.
When learning about the process of making conical hats, Mr. Minh explained in detail: “We start by selecting fresh, green leaves, because they are more flexible and durable than old leaves. These leaves are soaked in water to soften them, then spread out and ironed flat. This is a very important step because it creates a solid foundation for the next steps. If the leaves are not ironed flat, the hat will not achieve the necessary perfection and firmness.”
Once the leaves have been flattened, they are cut into circular or oval pieces, depending on the style and size of the hat. These pieces are then carefully layered and attached to the hat frame. “The layering and attachment of the leaves requires skill and precision, to ensure that the hat is durable and does not leak when used,” he stressed.
Another equally important step is carving poems onto the conical hat. This step requires special meticulousness and skill. “The poems are carved between the layers of conical leaves using a special technique, which prevents them from fading over time. This technique not only makes the poems stand out but also helps them blend into the structure of the hat, creating a unique work of art. We have to be very careful in every step of carving to ensure that each hat reflects the spirit and values of Hue culture,” Minh shared while working.
Challenges of traditional professions
Keeping the younger generation to continue the profession is also a big challenge, many young people today seek other opportunities and are no longer interested in the traditional hat making profession.
Although the craft of making conical hats is still popular, the craft is currently facing many challenges. “The market is very competitive today. Many conical hat products are produced quickly and at low cost, making it difficult for us to maintain quality and reasonable prices,” said Mr. Minh.
He added that keeping the younger generation to continue the profession is also a big challenge, many young people today seek other opportunities and are no longer interested in the traditional hat making profession.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoa (Mr. Minh’s wife) shared their concerns about the future of the craft: “We try very hard to teach our children the craft, but the younger generation tends to choose other jobs rather than making hats. We hope that our hard work and love will be preserved and passed on to the next generation.”
Mr. Minh's family hopes that their efforts in particular and the village in general will help preserve this traditional craft and maintain the cultural identity of Tay Ho conical hat village.
The Perfume River flows slowly, like the slow beat of time, but the conical hat still firmly retains its beauty, like the way Hue people preserve their traditions and emotions.
On each hat, the verses are engraved as a reminder that love and nostalgia are always eternal, always associated with the river, with the land that has nurtured and sheltered many souls.
Thanh Thao
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ghe-tham-lang-non-tay-ho--bieu-tuong-dam-chat-tho-post310643.html
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