Guardians of Khmer culture

On a sunny afternoon, we followed a small concrete path to Mr. Danh Tien's house. Inside, traditional Khmer costumes, headdresses, masks, and musical instruments were displayed, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Mr. Danh Tien is proficient in playing various Khmer musical instruments and writes scripts for teaching Khmer dance. For many years, he has made significant contributions to teaching traditional Khmer art to future generations, helping to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the ethnic group.

To date, he has taught hundreds of people the techniques of using musical instruments, traditional dances, and songs of the Khmer people. He gathered his descendants and young people from his family and the local area to form a Khmer performing arts troupe that regularly performs locally and nationwide. The artistic performances, meticulously and creatively staged by Mr. Danh Tien, along with the graceful and distinctive performances of the troupe members, have garnered many achievements and awards at festivals, competitions, and performances at the provincial and national levels. In 2015, an artistic performance he staged at the 5th Vietnam Folk Song Festival in the Southern region won an outstanding award.

The Khmer performing arts troupe of An Tho hamlet, led by Mr. Danh Tien, is the core of the community's cultural movement, especially during Khmer festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Ok Om Bok, and the annual Khmer Ethnic Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival held in Go Quao. Many of the troupe's performances have been selected by Vietnam Television and Kien Giang Radio and Television (formerly) for broadcast on their Khmer-language programs.

Artisan Danh Tien teaches his grandson how to combine colors so that the mask reflects the character's personality. Photo: CAM TU

Within his family, Mr. Danh Tien focuses on passing on his passion, knowledge, and skills in performing dance, singing, using musical instruments, and making props to promote the Khmer people's tradition of loving culture and art. He wants to pass on everything he has accumulated so that his descendants can preserve it.

Besides his knowledge of Khmer folk art, artisan Danh Tien also researches and learns how to make props for cultural performances such as headdresses and masks used in the dances of the Southern Khmer people. In traditional Khmer performing arts such as the Rô Băm and Dù Kê dances, headdresses and masks are two particularly important costumes, imbued with mystical and sacred elements, reflecting the rich cultural heritage. Mr. Danh Tien shared: “Headdresses and masks reflect the personality of each character, so the colors and characteristics of each product are different. The most difficult part of making a mask is capturing the soul of the character's face, requiring a deep understanding of the character's personality to portray it effectively. Therefore, mask makers must have a profound understanding of Khmer culture to create authentic products that capture the character's essence. Since the works are entirely handcrafted, every detail must be carefully and meticulously crafted.”

In recognition of his efforts and contributions to ethnic art, helping to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the Khmer people, in 2013, Mr. Danh Tien was awarded the "For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism " commemorative medal by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2019, he was awarded the title of Outstanding Artisan by the President of Vietnam for his outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of the nation.

"I've always been concerned about how to effectively pass on the traditional cultural and artistic forms of the Khmer people to future generations. What I do is not only out of passion but also a responsibility to the younger generation and the nation, contributing to the preservation, conservation, and development of Khmer art," said artisan Danh Tien.

Despite his advanced age, Mr. Danh Tien remains enthusiastic, always caring for and gathering talented young people who love traditional culture and art to teach them the correct and soulful movements and dances, true to the identity of the Khmer people. Through teaching dance, singing, and musical instruments to the younger generation, Mr. Danh Tien has nurtured many outstanding talents who continue his legacy in preserving and developing the traditional culture of the Khmer people.

According to residents of An Tho hamlet, Mr. Danh Tien has made many contributions to the locality in developing the mass arts movement, contributing to improving the cultural and spiritual life of the Khmer people and building a new rural area in Go Quao commune.

CAM TU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nguoi-giu-hon-van-hoa-khmer-a462223.html