Guardians of Co culture

Mr. Duong Lai is very passionate about traditional musical instruments. Photo: NGUYEN QUYNH

Not only is he a "living treasure" of national culture, Meritorious Artisan Duong Lai is also a respected figure who contributes to spreading a beautiful lifestyle and a spirit of economic development in the community.

In the simple stilt house in Tak Kot village, gongs, drums, cymbals, flutes, and other musical instruments are neatly hung and arranged, like a "miniature museum." Each artifact tells a story, a memory that Mr. Lai has painstakingly collected over many years.

Slowly introducing each item, he spoke of the drum that had accompanied him through countless festivals, the basket that was an integral part of the daily life of the Co people, and the gong set stained with the passage of time. For him, these were the very soul and customs of his village.

When the drums sounded under Mr. Lai's calloused hands, the space seemed to fall silent. The rhythm, sometimes slow and leisurely, sometimes rapid and intense, evoked the lively atmosphere of ancient festivals in the vast forests. In that moment, the past and present seemed to be connected by this emotionally charged sound.

Having previously worked as a cultural officer in the former Bac Tra My district, he deeply understood the spiritual values of the Co people. Faced with the threat of the disappearance of their traditional culture, Mr. Lai spared no effort, traveling throughout the villages to collect and restore ancient musical instruments and artifacts.

At the same time, he persistently taught the younger generation, helping them gradually rediscover their love for their ethnic culture. Thanks to these efforts, many young people in the region have joined performing arts groups, contributing to keeping the sounds of gongs and traditional dances resonating in festivals and cultural events.

Distinguished Artisan Duong Lai is a respected and exemplary figure in the local community. With his deep understanding of local customs, he consistently serves as a bridge, effectively conveying policies and guidelines to the community.

He regularly participated in village meetings, encouraging people to change their mindset, abandon outdated customs, and build a civilized life. His words were simple but persuasive because he himself set an example.

Mr. Lai is also skilled in making traditional handicrafts of the Co ethnic group. Photo: NGUYEN QUYNH

Besides preserving musical instruments, Mr. Lai is also passionate about traditional weaving. From selecting bamboo and splitting strips to weaving techniques, he meticulously teaches the younger generation in the village. Each basket and carrying bag reflects the skill and finesse of its maker.

In economic development, he was also a pioneer. His family owned 5 hectares of acacia forest, cinnamon plantations, and various fruit trees; combined with fish farming and livestock breeding, this brought in a stable income of over 400 million VND per year.

Based on his model, Mr. Lai actively shares his experience and guides local people in transforming their production methods to suit local conditions. As a result, many families have risen out of poverty and stabilized their lives. "To gain people's trust, you have to lead by example and do it effectively," he said.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/nguoi-giu-hon-van-hoa-co-3332575.html