Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of Tra Vinh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Quynh Thien acknowledged and praised the local departments, agencies at all levels, and people directly involved in the mat weaving profession for preserving and maintaining the traditional craft until today, which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, creating important conditions to further promote the tradition of the craft village. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to include Ca Hom mat making village in the province's tourism development program; create propaganda works about cultural heritage; propose the title of Meritorious Artisan, People's Artisan for skilled craftsmen to support, spread the value of heritage and support the passing on of the craft to future generations.
Tra Vinh receives certificate of recognition of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Ca Hom Mat Making Craft
Ca Hom mat making is a traditional craft of the Khmer people that was formed nearly 150 years ago. According to heritage records, the craft village was formed around the mid-19th century, starting with Mr. Met, who was passed down the craft by weavers in Ca Mau who sold mats, then gradually spread and continued until today in the form of father to son. Ca Hom mats are 3m - 6m long with pyramid patterns on both sides of the mat.
Through the ups and downs of history, the Ca Hom mat weaving craft gradually faded away, however, with the support of the local government, the craft village developed most strongly in the years 2010 - 2011 and still maintains to this day. Currently, in the commune, there are 95 households participating in the mat weaving craft village, of which 58 households weave regularly and 37 households weave seasonally in the last months of the year.
Typical pyramid pattern of Ca Hom mat
The Ca Hom mat weaving craft of the Khmer people in Ham Tan commune, Tra Cu district has been maintained to this day, contributing to preserving the treasure of knowledge of previous generations, enriching the local cultural identity. Mats are also a product associated with spiritual life, expressing creativity in culture and art through products bearing the cultural identity of the Khmer people.
Comment (0)