preserve and promote traditional weaving

Nestled next to a clear stream, Na Sang village (Nua Ngam commune, Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province) is like a vivid picture, where traditional stilt houses appear and disappear behind vast cotton fields. This is the home of the Lao ethnic people, who have preserved and developed the traditional weaving craft for many generations.

According to the ancient Lao concept, women must know how to weave to get married. And so weaving has become an inseparable part of the lives of Na Sang women. They skillfully put each soft cotton thread into the loom, combined with talented hands to create durable and sophisticated fabrics.

Weaving has existed for a long time, maintained and developed under the roof of the Lao Na Sang ethnic group.

Handwoven fabrics are imbued with Lao culture. Each pattern and motif has its own story and meaning. From majestic elephants to blooming flowers, each fabric tells a story about nature, people and community life.

Today, the traditional Na Sang weaving craft is not only a means of clothing but also a stable source of income for many families. Thanks to the enthusiasm and creativity of Na Sang women, brocade fabrics have become unique souvenirs, favored by domestic and foreign tourists.

Na Sang 2 Brocade Weaving Cooperative is a successful example in promoting the traditional weaving craft. With the participation of 15 members, the cooperative has created sophisticated handicraft products, trusted by customers from Hanoi, Hoa Binh , and Sa Pa. The average income of each member is up to millions of VND per month, bringing a significant source of income for the family and the village.

Ms. Lo Thi Vien, Director of Lao Na Sang 2 Brocade Weaving Cooperative, shared: All products are handmade, the production process ensures traditional features and aesthetic factors, so customers are very fond of them. The main market for the products of the cooperative is customers from Hanoi , Hoa Binh, Sa Pa who order; each order ranges from 1 - 50 million VND. Cooperative members receive contracts and make products at home, depending on the time invested, the income will be high or low. On average, each cooperative member has an income of 2.5 - 5 million VND/month, bringing a fairly high income during the off-season.

The production of products at the cooperative members' families contributes to promoting the exposure, teaching and interest of the younger generation in traditional handicraft products.

Not only that, weaving also acts as a link between the younger generation and tradition. Ms. Lo Thi In, a member of the cooperative, shared: "When making products at home, we not only teach our children the craft but also instill in them pride in our national culture."

Unlike Na Sang 2, textile products are promoted for consumption, organized under a cooperative form. In Na Sang 1 village - also where Lao ethnic people live, women and mothers preserve and teach traditional culture in each pattern every day, finding ways to bring Lao ethnic brocade products to the market.

In Na Sang 1 village, although the cooperative has not been established, the women still work hard every day at their weaving looms, preserving each traditional pattern and motif. The brocade skirts and scarves they make are not only a source of income but also a way to preserve the traditional costumes of the Lao people.

Thanks to the love and creativity of the Na Sang people, the traditional weaving craft is not only preserved but also strongly developed. The brocade fabrics are not only beautiful but also have a profound cultural meaning, contributing to preserving and honoring the Lao national identity.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/dien-bien-giu-gin-va-phat-huy-nghe-det-truyen-thong.html