The meticulousness of this craft is evident in every step, especially in the preparation of materials and the time required to complete it:
The exquisite craft of weaving paulownia hammocks
Weaving hammocks from paulownia wood is an extremely meticulous and unique craft, deeply rooted in the traditional culture of the people of Cu Lao Cham island commune (Hoi An City, Quang Nam province). This is not only a handicraft but also a National Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized in February 2024.
Lê Vân•02/10/2025- Unique material: The hammock is made entirely from the bark of the red paulownia tree (also known as mountain paulownia) that grows on the mountain slopes of Cu Lao Cham. The paulownia tree is a symbol of this island.
- Elaborate preparation:
- People must choose straight, slender trees and cut them only at the base so that the tree can continue to grow.
- The bark is peeled off and then carefully soaked in stream water ( about half a month in summer, more than 20 days in winter ) to make it soft and pliable.
- After soaking, the bark is removed, the opaque white inner layer (called paulownia fiber) is separated, then shredded into small strands and dried until pure white. The thinner the strands, the tighter and more durable the hammock will be when woven.
- Time and attention to detail:
- A paulownia hammock, entirely hand- woven .
- To weave a hammock, a craftsman needs at least two months (approximately 60-90 days of continuous work), not including the time to prepare the materials (which takes more than a month). Even the fastest and most skilled craftsmen can only weave about 5-6 hammocks per year.
- Value and uses:
- Hammocks made from paulownia wood are very sturdy and durable , and can be used for 10-15 years if properly maintained.
- They are also rumored to have special uses such as treating rheumatism, night sweats, and promoting restful sleep.
- Because of the meticulous craftsmanship, each hammock has a relatively high selling price, usually ranging from 5 million to over 8 million VND depending on the type (4-string hammock or 6-string hammock).
The craft of weaving hammocks from paulownia wood is not only a means of livelihood but also embodies cultural values, perseverance, patience , and the love of nature, the sea, and the islands of Cu Lao Cham.
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