Preserving the sound of the Sèn Dư instrument.

The Sèn Dư lute is a traditional musical instrument deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Cờ Lao people in Tân Tiến commune, and has long held a special place in their cultural life. In today's modern world, to prevent the lute's influence from fading away, local people are actively preserving, teaching, and promoting it as a way of safeguarding the core cultural values ​​of their community.

A craftsman from the Cờ Lao ethnic group in Tân Tiến commune instructs students on how to craft and tune the Sèn Dư instrument.

Community engagement

In the cultural life of the Cờ Lao people, the Sèn Dư instrument is used in many different settings, such as: singing love songs at weddings; singing call-and-response songs and greetings during housewarming ceremonies; singing songs praising the Party and the country during community gatherings; and also resounding during the forest worship ceremonies in the first and seventh lunar months of each year. For the people here, the sound of the instrument not only creates a joyful atmosphere but also contributes to the completeness and fulfillment of each ritual, in accordance with tradition.

Beyond its role as a traditional musical instrument, the Sèn Dư lute is also considered a "thread" connecting contemporary culture with its roots, creating a sense of community. Therefore, on important occasions for each family and village, the sound of the lute is always present as an indispensable part of the traditional cultural space.

Artisan Min Pha Khay, from Ta Chai village, who has been involved with the Sen Du instrument in Tan Tien commune for many years, shared: “For us, the sound of the instrument is not just for listening. Through the music, people remind each other of customs and traditions, and our children understand more about the way of life of our ethnic group. Thanks to this, in every important event, when the sound of the instrument is present, we feel complete, without missing the ‘soul’ of the way of life passed down from our ancestors for generations.”

Persistent teaching

The Cờ Lao people make up 11.28% of the population of Tân Tiến commune, mainly residing in the villages of Hợp Nhất, Phìn Sư, Khu Trù Sán, Tà Chải, Túng Quá Lìn, Chúng Phùng, Tà Lẻng, and Thượng Hạ. To preserve the art of the Sèn Dư instrument, skilled artisans have diligently taught the younger generation through various engaging methods, from private tutoring at home to guidance during village activities.

In particular, to ensure in-depth and sustainable preservation, in October 2025, the People's Committee of Tan Tien commune, in coordination with the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), will open a class to teach the Sen Du instrument to the Co Lao people. The class, taught by two local artisans, Min Pha Khay and Vang Cha Seng, will attract 20 students. During the class, students will receive meticulous guidance from the artisans on each stage, from instrument making and how to hold and tune the strings to practicing basic melodies. The classroom atmosphere is always friendly, creating conditions for students to learn quickly and practice directly.

Ms. Chang Thi Thao, from Hop Nhat village, Tan Tien commune, shared: “Previously, I only heard and watched my grandparents play the instrument, but I never had the opportunity to learn. When the teaching class opened, we not only learned to play the instrument but also understood more about the origin and meaning of the Sen Du instrument, thus further appreciating our ethnic culture. This motivates us to learn and raises our awareness of preserving the instrument.”

Through various approaches, learning and playing the Sèn Dư instrument in Tân Tiến commune is gradually forming a healthy cultural environment, strengthening bonds and promoting interaction between generations. The elderly have the opportunity to pass on knowledge and experience; the younger generation can access, learn, and inherit this tradition, thereby contributing to reducing the risk of the instrument fading away from the lives of the Cờ Lao people.

Comrade Nguyen Cong Bo, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Tan Tien Commune, said: “The commune identifies the preservation and promotion of the Sen Du musical instrument as an important task, linking cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. In the coming time, the commune will continue to maintain and expand teaching activities, prioritizing young people as students; encouraging artisans to participate in teaching and incorporating the instrument into cultural activities and festivals. At the same time, the commune will strengthen the work of collecting and documenting information to ensure long-term preservation and promotion of the cultural values ​​of the Co Lao ethnic group.”

From preservation within the community to the support of local Party committees and authorities, the Sèn Dư instrument is not only preserved as a traditional musical instrument of the Cờ Lao people but also affirms its cultural value with widespread influence. Through this, the instrument continues to awaken pride and awareness of heritage preservation in each person here.

Text and photos: Hong Nhung

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202601/gin-giu-tieng-dan-sen-du-9e0117d/