Preserving the soul of Dao Tien ethnic brocade at the top of Deo Gio Pass.

In Deo Gio village, a group of Dao Tien women diligently work at their embroidery frames, meticulously stitching each thread. They are not only the keepers of the traditional embroidery craft but are also striving to integrate their ethnic culture into modern life through their skillful hands and innovative spirit.

For a very long time, embroidery has been an indispensable part of the lives of the Dao Tien people in Deo Gio (Ngan Son commune, Thai Nguyen province). Like many other women, Ms. Ban Thi Thanh was taught each stitch and thread by her grandmothers and mothers from a young age. Ms. Thanh said that embroidery requires patience, meticulousness, and creativity, so it takes a Dao Tien woman several days to make a scarf or a hat. For more elaborate clothing or handbags, the completion time can extend to a week, or even a month. Having dedicated over 40 years to embroidery, Ms. Thanh is now diligently teaching many young girls in the village.

In 2023, the "Deo Gio Brocade Embroidery" group was established with 20 members.

"I am very proud that I teach the children and young people embroidery according to our ethnic customs, because if I don't teach them, our ethnic culture will be lost in the future," Ms. Thanh shared.

Recognizing the increasing demand for brocade products, Ms. Thanh and many other women joined forces to bring their embroidered and sewn products to the market. With the support of the Women's Union of the commune, in 2023, the "Deo Gio Brocade Embroidery" group was established with 20 members. In the early days, the products produced were not numerous, the quality was inconsistent, and promotion and customer outreach were not effective... so despite their dedication, the group struggled to bring their products beyond the local area.

Ms. Ban Thi Thanh (on the right) instructs young girls in the village on embroidery techniques.

Thanks to technical training and sales guidance organized by the Women's Association of the commune, the women have gradually become more confident. Besides mastering embroidery techniques, they also learn how to appreciate and combine colors harmoniously while preserving the cultural essence. Characteristic motifs such as birds, animals, mountains, forests, and flowers are vividly depicted, each product telling a story, a layer of cultural heritage passed down through generations. Not overly flashy, using only basic colors like indigo, ivory, red, and blue, combined with silver accessories, the Dao women in Deo Gio have created unique traditional costumes with their own distinct style, gradually gaining acceptance from customers.

The women take advantage of their free time between farming seasons, such as midday or late at night, to embroider products together.

Ms. Dang Thi Thanh, a member of the "Deo Gio Brocade Embroidery" group, said: "Our group embroiders shirts, hats, pants, and various types of bags, handbags, and shoulder bags... it's very elaborate, time-consuming, and laborious. Everything we embroider sells well; customers prefer scarves and hats, which are the simplest items."

The Dao Tien women in Deo Gio have learned to apply information technology to promote their embroidered and sewn products.

Besides selling directly, the women also utilize technology to expand their market. Ms. Ban Thi Huong, a member of the "Deo Gio Brocade Embroidery" group, shared: "I find social media very convenient now. The embroidery group has a Zalo group, and we can communicate through Zalo or Messenger if needed... And selling online is also faster and more convenient; when a customer places an order, we can post it online."

The women boldly promoted their products through social media.

Thanks to their bold and creative approach, more than 30 brocade items, from hats, shirts, scarves to handbags and shoulder bags, are now available in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Cao Bang, and other cities. With prices ranging from 150,000 to 500,000 VND per product, the women have gained a significant additional income simply by taking advantage of their free time in the mornings, evenings, or nights. Ms. Ly Thi Lan, a member of the "Deo Gio Brocade Embroidery" group, happily shared: "Not only does this cooperative model improve the economy , but it also strengthens community bonds. Members support and guide each other. I participate in embroidering products with Dao ethnic patterns, such as dogs, birds, and other traditional clothing; we learn from each other about different patterns."

Some products from the Deo Gio brocade embroidery group.

Nowadays, the image of Dao Tien women in Deo Gio livestreaming and posting their products on social media and e-commerce platforms has become familiar. They are both preserving their traditional craft and affirming the new role of highland women who dare to think, dare to act, dare to start businesses, and boldly apply technology to achieve economic independence. In the flow of the digital age, the women of Deo Gio still preserve their unique identity, transforming traditional crafts into sustainable livelihoods, while also inspiring and motivating many other highland women to rise up and take control of their lives.

The designs are simple yet meticulously crafted, and many products are now available in major domestic markets.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/giu-hon-tho-cam-nguoi-dao-tien-noi-dinh-deo-gio-post879521.html