Phu My basket weaving village

History of formation and development

Phu My basket weaving village was born in the early 20th century. Initially, basket weaving was simply a manual job for a few villagers. Gradually, due to the increasing demand for basket weaving in fishing activities, this profession became a major occupation, passed down from generation to generation.

Throughout its history, the craft village has gone through many ups and downs, especially during the war and economic fluctuations. During the war, many people had to temporarily stop weaving baskets to join the resistance or evacuate from the war zone. However, as soon as peace was restored, the craft of weaving chai baskets was quickly restored.

Basket boats on the coast of Phu Yen .

In the 1970s and 1980s, when the country entered the renovation period, Phu My basket weaving village also began to receive attention from the government and social organizations. Many policies to support the development of craft villages were implemented, helping people have access to capital sources, new techniques and expanding consumer markets.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, an elder in the village, shared: "Back then, only a few people in the village knew how to weave baskets. Then gradually, those people taught their children and neighbors. When this profession became popular, everyone in the village started doing it, thanks to which life became better."

Nowadays, the craft of weaving bamboo baskets has become an indispensable part of the lives of Phu My people. Not only is it the main source of income, this craft is also a cultural symbol, demonstrating the ingenuity and solidarity of the community.

Bottle basket production process

To create a complete basket, the craftsman must go through many meticulous stages, from selecting the materials to completing the product. The main materials for making baskets are bamboo and rattan, materials that are easy to find in nature but must go through many processing stages before they can be used.

To create a complete basket, the craftsman must go through many meticulous stages, from selecting the materials to completing the product. The main materials for making baskets are bamboo and rattan, materials that are easy to find in nature but must go through many processing stages before they can be used.

To create a complete basket, the craftsman must go through many meticulous stages.

First, it is the stage of selecting and processing raw materials. Bamboo and rattan are carefully selected from rich raw material forests. Old, straight bamboo trees, without warping or termites are selected to ensure the quality of the product. After being cut, bamboo and rattan will be dried in the sun for many days to reach the necessary dryness, making weaving easier and increasing the durability of the product.

The processing of raw materials is an important step. Bamboo and rattan must be soaked in salt water or anti-termite solution to ensure durability and toughness. Bamboo and rattan trees are like being breathed into life, becoming companions of fishermen on the vast ocean. After soaking, the raw materials are washed, dried and cut into standard sized pieces, ready for weaving.

Once the materials are ready, the craftsman will start weaving the basket. This is the most important step and requires the craftsman's skill. The bamboo sticks are woven alternately to form the basket frame, then the layers of rattan are tightly woven to create firmness. The sturdy bamboo sticks are like a strong skeleton, while the soft rattan fibers bend like a flexible body, combining to create a durable and resilient basket. Each time the craftsman's hand passes over it, the bamboo sticks and rattan fibers seem to dance, bending into beautiful shapes. This process not only requires meticulousness but also the craftsman's sensitivity and patience.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a young basket weaver, shared: "When weaving baskets, I feel like I am painting a picture, each weaving line is a delicate stroke, combining the softness of rattan and the solidity of bamboo."

The final step is to apply resin and finish. After weaving, the basket is applied with resin to make it waterproof and increase its durability. This step also requires the craftsman to have experience to ensure that the resin layer is evenly and beautifully applied. The resin layer acts as an armor, protecting the basket from the challenges of the sea. The resin is melted and applied to each part of the basket, ensuring that all gaps are sealed, allowing the basket to float on the water without getting soaked. The resin application process must be done carefully and meticulously, because just a small mistake, an uneven layer of resin can cause the basket to be damaged when encountering strong waves and winds.

The role and development direction of Phu My basket boat

The craft of weaving bamboo baskets in Phu My has become a precious heritage, passed down through many generations in families. This is not only a way to make a living but also a source of pride, demonstrating the ingenuity, meticulousness and perseverance of the people. Elderly artisans like Mr. Nguyen Van Tam, with more than 50 years of experience, still tirelessly teach techniques to their children and grandchildren, preserving and promoting the traditional craft.

He shared: "This profession requires patience and skill. Each basket is a work of art, carrying the craftsman's love and passion. I hope that the younger generation will continue to preserve and develop this profession."

“Each basket is a work of art, carrying the craftsman's love and passion,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Tam.

Bamboo baskets are not only useful tools for catching seafood but also cultural symbols, appearing in festivals and events, contributing to promoting the image of the craft village. Despite facing challenges from industrial products and climate change, Phu My people still strive to overcome difficulties, finding new directions such as combining with craft village tourism . Tourists to Phu Yen can participate in bamboo basket production, learn about the history and culture of the craft village, thereby creating additional income and promoting the product.

Phu My basket weaving is not only a traditional craft but also an important part of the culture and life of Phu Yen people. The sustainable values of the craft will certainly continue to be promoted, contributing to enriching the national cultural identity and creating sustainable values for the community.

Thanh Thao

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lang-nghe-dan-thung-chai-phu-my--tinh-hoa-nghe-truyen-thong-post301904.html