Chau Phong Cham village preserves the traditional brocade weaving craft.

The traditional brocade weaving craft of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune (Tan Chau town, An Giang province), although no longer thriving, is still preserved and developed by those who deeply cherish its traditional values.

Over the years, An Giang province has implemented comprehensive and effective ethnic minority programs and policies in conjunction with the National Target Program for New Rural Development. As a result, the lives of the Cham ethnic minority people have gradually overcome difficulties, enabling them to achieve legitimate wealth and contributing to the development and improvement of the Cham villages and hamlets.

Traditional brocade weavers in Chau Giang hamlet, Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau town, An Giang province. (Photo: Phuong Nghi)

The Cham people of Chau Phong commune (Tan Chau town, An Giang province) live concentrated in three hamlets: Phum Xoai, Chau Giang, and Hoa Long, with over 4,500 inhabitants, 100% of whom follow Islam.

Visiting the Cham villages of Chau Phong today, it's easy to see that many new constructions have sprung up, giving the entire commune a fresh new look. Along the Cham hamlets, many spacious new houses have been built, and the roads have been paved with concrete, creating favorable conditions for trade and daily life. The implementation of the State's ethnic minority programs, projects, and policies, especially the New Rural Development Program, has created a "boost," bringing about noticeable changes in each Cham village of Chau Phong. Sharing with reporters, Mr. Mohamah Sa Leh, Head of Phum Xoai Hamlet (Chau Phong Commune), said: “Now, Phum Xoai Cham village no longer has any poor households, and 100% of children attend school from kindergarten to high school. At the university level, Phum Xoai alone has 44 university students, some of whom are pursuing master's degrees... The people now not only have enough to eat and save, but they have also invested in the education of the younger generation to escape poverty and achieve long-term, sustainable development. All of this has created a new face for the Cham community in this model village.” For the Cham people in Tan Chau, brocade weaving is a long-standing traditional craft, playing an important role in preserving their distinctive cultural beauty. The Cham people brought their weaving craft to live in Tan Chau, and they consider it a precious asset. Mr. Mohamah Sa Leh added: "Previously, traditional brocade textiles, sarongs, scarves, shirts, and handicrafts mainly served the Cham community. Now, they have become marketable products, serving tourism and are popular with visitors. Although not as prosperous as in previous years, the brocade weaving craft of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune is still preserved and developed by those who deeply cherish traditional values. A prime example is Mr. Mohamad in Phum Soai hamlet, owner of the Mohamach brocade weaving facility, who has been involved in brocade weaving for nearly 50 years and has helped bring traditional Cham brocade products to a wider market." Mr. Mohamad said: “My family has been involved in brocade weaving for three generations. Weaving a brocade product involves many steps. The cotton yarn must be dyed, then dried, followed by the winding, threading, weaving, and finishing stages… Each step requires skill and meticulousness from the weaver and takes a lot of time and effort to produce quality products.” Nowadays, thanks to modern technology, brocade production is more convenient and faster. Mr. Mohamad still maintains the traditional weaving craft as a way to preserve the cultural values ​​of the Cham people, even though the products are more expensive than those made with machines.

Mr. Mohamad in Phum Soai hamlet (Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau town) introduces Chau Giang brocade weaving products to tourists. (Photo: Phuong Nghi)

In 2000, Mr. Mohamad established a traditional brocade weaving facility in Chau Phong Cham village, employing local workers or providing home-based services. The finished products are displayed and sold at the facility and also exported. Besides the two traditional products, sarongs and checkered scarves, the facility also produces new items such as handbags, backpacks, hats, and keychains. According to Mr. Mohamad, "These are items favored by tourists, especially foreign visitors who choose to buy them as souvenirs during their visits to the craft village. The prices of these products are quite affordable, ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 VND per item. Furthermore, by maintaining and developing the brocade weaving craft, the facility provides employment for more than 10 local workers, with an income of 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day." Ms. Vo Thuy Y Nhu, Chairwoman of the Chau Phong Commune People's Committee, said: “In recent years, the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune has become a familiar destination for tourists from all over. To enhance the experience, Mr. Mohamad has restored a wedding room in the traditional style of the Cham ethnic group so that tourists, especially couples, can take souvenir photos. Besides introducing the products, during visits, Mr. Mohamad also introduces the history of the craft village and the distinctive cultural values ​​and life of the Cham ethnic community in An Giang to tourists. This innovation and creativity has contributed to attracting more and more tourists to the craft village.”

On March 6, 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 480/QD-BVHTTDL announcing the list of national intangible cultural heritage, according to which the brocade weaving craft of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau town, An Giang province was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. This is a great honor and source of pride for the Cham community in An Giang.

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