Rekindling the weaving craft in Bon Pi Nao

These days, as the late afternoon sun casts a golden glow on the rooftops of Bon Pi Nao, Nhan Co commune, the rhythmic clicking of looms continues to emanate from the community cultural center. This sound not only signals the formation of new fabrics but also reflects the enduring vitality of the traditional M'nong brocade weaving craft.
The person currently "passing on the torch" to the weaving craft here is artisan H'Yon, Secretary of the Party Branch of Pi Nao village. Having been involved with the loom for over 40 years, she is considered one of the people with the deepest understanding of weaving techniques and the meaning of each traditional pattern.
According to artisan H'Yon, weaving brocade is not simply about creating a product for use, but also a way to preserve the history, customs, and traditions of the M'nong people. Each pattern on the fabric carries its own meaning, reflecting the working life, nature, and beliefs of the community.

Artisan H'Yon established the Bon Pi Nao Brocade Weaving Cooperative to preserve the craft and provide opportunities for the younger generation to access traditional weaving. Beyond teaching weaving techniques, H'Yon also shares stories behind each design, helping the younger generation better understand their ethnic culture. This combination of passing on skills and cultural knowledge creates a special appeal for learners.
H'Hoa, a young woman currently learning the weaving trade, said that at first glance, weaving seemed simple, but practicing it revealed the need for patience and meticulousness. Each pattern has its own rules, and mistakes are easily made if one is not careful.
Besides traditional fabrics and costumes, the women also create products such as handbags, wallets, scarves, ties, sandals, and souvenirs featuring brocade patterns. These products not only serve practical needs but also become popular gifts for tourists visiting Bon Pi Nao. This approach helps integrate weaving with community tourism development, generating additional income for local people.
Preserving the vibrant colors of traditional brocade at the foot of Lang Biang mountain.
In Dang Gia Det B and Pang Tieng villages, Lang Biang ward - Da Lat , weaving is still present in the daily lives of the ethnic people, becoming a source of pride for the local community.

According to Ms. Bon Yo Lien, President of the Women's Union of Lang Biang Ward, Da Lat, there are currently about 80 people in two villages who are skilled in weaving traditional patterns. This is an important force in preserving and passing on the weaving craft to future generations.
One of the longest-serving weavers is Ms. Rơ Ông K Grô from Đăng Gia Dềt B village. Since childhood, she has been taught weaving by her mother and grandmother, who also passed on the culture of the Cil ethnic group. Over the years, weaving has become an indispensable part of her life.
According to Ms. Rơ Ông K Grô, people currently mainly weave according to orders. It takes about 3 days of continuous work to complete a piece of brocade. Each product sells for between 650,000 and 700,000 VND, depending on the size and complexity of the pattern.

To meet market demands, in addition to traditional products, people have developed many new items such as headbands, handbags, bracelets, ties, bookmarks, scarves, and applied brocade patterns to ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress). This product diversity has helped the weaving craft reach a wider range of customers.
Income from weaving currently reaches approximately 6 million VND per month for those who work regularly. Although not a high income, it is a stable source of income that contributes to improving the lives of many families.

What is remarkable is that the weaving craft in Lang Biang - Da Lat is still maintained through family tradition. Grandmothers and mothers continue to guide their children and grandchildren in weaving, creating patterns, and preserving traditional cultural values. As a result, the sound of looms still echoes in many homes at the foot of Lang Biang mountain.
Amidst the passage of time, these women persevere at their looms, weaving the traditional colors of their ethnic groups. And it is they who are contributing to the continued survival and development of the brocade weaving craft, becoming a bridge that spreads the culture of the ethnic groups of Lam Dong further into contemporary life.
According to Ms. Bon Yo Lien, in order for the brocade weaving craft to continue to be maintained and developed, in addition to the dedication of the artisans and people, it is necessary to strengthen activities to support product promotion, connect with community tourism, and expand the consumer market.
The Women's Union of the ward will continue to coordinate with relevant units to organize vocational training classes, encourage women and young people to participate in weaving lessons, and support women in developing brocade products that meet market demands.
"We hope that weaving will not only contribute to preserving our national cultural identity but also become a sustainable livelihood, helping to increase income for women and local people," Ms. Lien shared.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/giu-lua-nghe-det-tho-cam-giua-dai-ngan-lam-dong-449360.html










