"Keeping the fire" of traditional crafts in the highlands

Diligence in keeping the profession

In a small stilt house in T2 village (Kim Son commune), artisan Dinh Van Rat (63 years old, Bana ethnic group) still works diligently every day with bamboo tubes, bamboo pieces, pieces of wood... meticulously and meticulously to craft traditional musical instruments.

Mr. Dinh Van Rat and his wife (Kim Son commune) take advantage of their free time to weave to earn extra income and preserve the profession passed down from their father.

Mr. Dinh Van Rat and his wife (Kim Son commune) take advantage of their free time to weave to earn extra income and preserve the profession passed down from their father. Photo: D.D

Mr. Rat started his crafting career at the age of 15. He was taught by the women and village elders how to choose materials, drill holes, tune strings and feel the sound to create a clear, full sound. The materials used to make musical instruments are bamboo and non-wood, which must be old, strong and free of worms. After drying, he meticulously trims and measures every detail. Each product has its own level of difficulty, sometimes taking from 2 weeks to a month to complete. Currently, he is making instruments such as: Preng (mono-bù), klia (flute), pra (2-stringed instrument), long khong, plang, t'rung...; in addition, he also knows how to weave all kinds of baskets: Nong, nia, gụ, basket... to serve daily life.

“The musical instruments I make are often ordered by people at prices ranging from several hundred thousand to more than 2 million VND each, depending on the type and sophistication. As for the woven products, I do not sell them at the market, but only hang them in front of the porch, and anyone passing by who likes them will stop by to buy them for decoration or for use in the family. For me, doing this job is not to make a profit, but a way to preserve the cultural soul of the nation,” Mr. Rat confided.

In Ha Van Tren village (Van Canh commune), the sound of the shuttle still echoes in the small stilt house of Mrs. Dinh Thi Bong (49 years old, Bana ethnic). Over the years, in the midst of modern life, she has remained attached to the loom and colorful threads to weave brocades imbued with national identity.

Previously, Mrs. Bong only wove for use in festivals and weddings; now, as the demand for brocade costumes has increased, she weaves more to sell. Each brocade dress takes many days to weave, and costs from 1 to 3 million VND. To date, she has sold nearly 15 sets, earning extra income to take care of her family. For her, weaving is not only a source of pride, but also a way for women in the village to preserve traditional culture.

In An Trung village 1 (An Vinh commune), Mr. Dinh Van To (75 years old, H're ethnic group) is still diligently working on the traditional weaving craft. Since the age of 12, he has known how to separate fibers, weave patterns, and make canariums evenly and firmly. For more than 60 years, he has maintained the craft of making baskets, winnowing trays, and baskets... for daily use and to sell to people in the commune.

“Each product takes several sessions to several days to make, and sells for several tens to several hundred thousand dong. The money is not much, but it is enough to support the children and grandchildren. I just hope that the young generation will learn the craft, appreciate and preserve the ancient craft of their people,” said Mr. To.

Promoting traditional occupations associated with tourism

In recent years, many localities have focused on restoring and promoting the value of traditional craft villages and handicrafts, associated with the development of community tourism.

Mrs. Dinh Thi Bong (Van Canh commune) weaves brocade ordered by villagers.

Mrs. Dinh Thi Bong (Van Canh commune) weaves brocade ordered by villagers. Photo: D.D

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Viet, Chairman of Van Canh Commune People's Committee, said that the commune currently has about 78 people maintaining the brocade weaving profession. Recently, the government has mobilized artisans to teach and open vocational training classes for people; and requested associations and unions to support the consumption of products.

"In order for the brocade weaving profession to develop sustainably, the commune has recently directed the Department of Culture and Society to soon implement the project to build a community tourism site associated with preserving the brocade weaving profession in Ha Van Tren village, both preserving the culture and helping people increase their income," said Mr. Viet.

Mr. Dinh Van Ngin, Chairman of the People's Committee of An Toan Commune, said: The commune is implementing a general planning project for the commune's construction until 2035. From there, the locality calls on businesses to invest in festival tourism areas, cuisine , community tourism centers and ecological areas in village 1...; at the same time, restore some traditional occupations of the Bana people, instruct people to diversify souvenir products to serve tourists. When there is a stable output, people will be more attached to the profession, creating a harmonious combination between conservation and development.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions Tran Van Thanh, in the coming time, the Department will coordinate with departments, branches and localities to review, compile statistics and develop plans to preserve craft villages and handicrafts of ethnic minorities in the province.

Along with that, the Department will integrate policies to support livelihoods, vocational training, and community tourism development into projects under the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas; promote propaganda and encourage the younger generation to learn vocational skills and be creative based on traditional values, contributing to preserving cultural identity and promoting sustainable economic development in ethnic minority areas.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/giu-lua-nghe-thu-cong-truyen-thong-o-vung-cao-post569623.html