Preserving and spreading the culture of the S'tieng ethnic group.

If you ever visit Bu Mon hamlet, Bu Dang commune, and ask about Elder Dieu Do, everyone will know him. He is one of the S'tieng village elders in Dong Nai who strives to preserve, conserve, and promote the cultural values ​​of his community.

At the age of 106, a rare age indeed, old man Dieu Do remains sharp-minded, healthy, and quietly preserves the age-old cultural treasures of the S'tieng people.

The village elder's treasures

Stepping into the longhouse of old man Điểu Đố, one easily notices the time-worn artifacts neatly arranged from the floor to the walls and roof. These include the set of gongs that have accompanied him through dozens of farming seasons; the buffalo horns hanging near the kitchen, associated with the S'tiêng people's harvest festivals; and the precious jars and antique wooden scepters that he has preserved for nearly 100 years.

Old Man Điểu Đố slowly recounted: "Each artifact not only has material value but also contains the soul of the S'tiêng people. In the past, the sound of gongs and drums was used to summon spirits, announce good news, and connect villages. Buffalo horns were 'tokens' that affirmed the status and prestige of the homeowner in the community. Even though life has been difficult at times, he still refuses to sell these treasures that have been a part of his life."

After much discussion, old man Điểu Đố finally opened a small bamboo tube, sealed at both ends, and carefully took out a sacred object that few people had ever seen: a jet-black, two-branched tail feather of a pơ ling (a type of kingfisher), longer than a handspan. For him and his family, this was an heirloom passed down from their ancestors, so it was always kept in the most sacred place, and no one was allowed to touch it without permission.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Van Toi, Chairman of the Vietnam Folk Arts Association of Dong Nai Province, the pơ ling bird is a small but resilient bird. In folk beliefs, wherever pơ ling birds appear, it signifies a blessed land, abundant fruit, and peaceful life. The image of the pơ ling bird bravely confronting larger animals to defend itself, its clear singing voice, and its agile movements have become symbols of the enduring and indomitable spirit of the community.

“The S'tieng people consider the pơ ling bird friendly and often attach its tail to baskets, weapons, or other objects as a symbol of power and prestige. Elder Dieu Do has kept this bird's tail since his youth, and only those who truly value the culture are allowed to see it. Looking at Elder Dieu Do's pơ ling bird tail feathers, one understands even more why the Chơro village elder Nam Noi also cherishes this sacred object so much, insisting on having a pair of pơ ling bird tails attached to the roof of the Chơro longhouse in Ly Lich commune as a way of affirming spiritual beliefs and community identity,” shared Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Van Toi.

Passing the torch to the younger generation.

Besides preserving artifacts, Elder Dieu Do is also a "living archive" of the customs and traditions of the S'tieng people. Despite his advanced age, he still vividly remembers the rhythm of the gongs, the way festivals are organized, epic stories, customary laws, and even folk knowledge passed down through generations of the S'tieng people.

At 106 years old, Elder Dieu Do rarely talks about himself. What he often mentions is how to ensure that the younger generation does not forget the beautiful traditional customs of his ethnic group amidst modern life. That's why, many years ago, he mobilized the community to establish a S'tieng cultural club in the area, teaching gong playing, listening to epic stories, learning weaving, basket making, and rice wine production… These activities are not only a place to pass on skills but also a space for the younger generation to better understand their roots and their responsibility to preserve their cultural identity.

In Bu Mon village, amidst the ever-changing pace of life, the image of the elderly Dieu Do quietly preserving centuries-old treasures is not just the story of an individual, but also a symbol of the effort to preserve and spread S'tieng culture. He is not only keeping the treasures for himself, but is also preserving the soul of the village, the memories, and the pride of the entire S'tieng community in Dong Nai today.

Elder Dieu Do was born in 1920 in Bu Mon hamlet, Bu Dang commune. For many years, he has persistently preserved, taught, and spread traditional cultural values ​​to the younger generation, contributing to the preservation of the S'tieng ethnic identity in the Dong Nai region.

My Ny

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202602/gin-giu-va-lan-toa-van-hoa-dong-bao-stieng-749012c/