Nam Xuan "keeps the flame alive" of traditional crafts.

Over the years, Nam Xuan commune has consistently focused on preserving and promoting traditional crafts such as brocade weaving, rice wine distillation using herbal yeast, and basket weaving. This has contributed to preserving ethnic identity and generating income for local people.

The craft of brocade weaving is preserved and promoted by the people of Nam Xuan commune.

Ban But (Nam Xuan) currently has 106 households with over 480 inhabitants, of which the Thai ethnic group accounts for over 95% of the population. According to the elders in the village, the craft of brocade weaving has long been closely associated with the life and activities of the Thai people here. However, under the pressure of the market economy, the brocade weaving craft is at risk of disappearing. Ban But has mobilized dedicated artisans to actively teach brocade weaving skills to the younger generation. At the same time, it encourages households to purchase looms to restore production right in their homes, creating marketable products. Currently, about 10 households in Ban But are maintaining the brocade weaving craft. The products of this traditional craft have become characteristic souvenirs serving the needs of tourists . Thanks to this, many families in the village have gained additional income to improve their lives.

Ms. Luong Thi Nha, from But village, a passionate brocade weaver, shared: "Aware of my responsibility in preserving our ethnic cultural identity, I have regularly taught brocade weaving to women in the commune. Besides that, my family also makes traditional products such as clothing, blankets, mattresses, and scarves to sell to tourists visiting But village. Being able to work and earn extra income is a great motivation for me to strive to pass on my skills to the younger generation."

Mr. Ha Cong Chuc, Party branch secretary and head of But village, said: In 2021, the brocade weaving craft in But village was officially recognized as a traditional craft by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. This is a great motivation for the villagers to be even more proud and determined to preserve and promote the precious cultural values ​​left by their ancestors. Currently, the village is promoting the integration of weaving with community tourism activities, creating opportunities for tourists to directly visit and experience the hand-weaving process. This is considered a sustainable direction to both increase people's income and bring But village's brocade weaving products further into the market.

Along with But village, many women in other villages in Nam Xuan commune are still maintaining the traditional weaving craft. To preserve and promote the brocade weaving craft, Nam Xuan commune has intensified propaganda and raised awareness among the community; directed the Women's Union of the commune to coordinate with relevant agencies and artisans to pass on the craft to the younger generation. The commune creates favorable conditions for households engaged in brocade weaving to access preferential loans to invest in production development.

Along with preserving the traditional brocade weaving craft, Nam Xuan commune also encourages households to develop the traditional crafts of rice wine distillation and basket weaving. The rice wine distillation craft, in particular, has been developing, contributing to job creation for many laborers during the agricultural off-season. Currently, rice wine is sold at homestays in the commune, becoming a unique souvenir chosen by many tourists.

Mr. Ninh Van Dong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam Xuan commune, said: Traditional crafts such as brocade weaving, rice wine distillation using leaf yeast, and basket weaving have been closely associated with the lives of ethnic minority people in the commune. To preserve, promote, and enhance the value of these crafts, Nam Xuan commune continues to raise awareness among the people about the meaning and importance of preserving traditional crafts. We are strengthening the promotion and introduction of products and actively connecting with businesses to find and expand markets for these products. Combining the preservation of traditional crafts with tourism development contributes to increasing people's income and preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identity.

Text and photos: Xuan Anh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nam-xuan-giu-lua-nghe-truyen-thong-287905.htm