The Khmu people weave baskets to escape poverty.

Dinh Son 1 village, Huu Kiem commune (Ky Son district) is the long-standing settlement of over 100 Khmu households. Previously, the Khmu people here lived in poverty, relying mainly on slash-and-burn agriculture for their livelihood. Photo: Dao Tho

The Khmu community has a long tradition of weaving. Previously, the items they made were only for family use. Mr. Lu Van Lien (63 years old) said: "Khmu boys in the village are born with a talent for weaving. Just by watching adults weave, they can start doing it themselves in a few days. Currently, there are 30 households in the village engaged in weaving, and their products are sold everywhere, thus gradually eradicating poverty." (Photo: Dao Tho)

The products made by the locals are mainly rattan trays and rattan chairs. The raw materials are sourced from readily available resources in the forest. After being brought in, they must be dried to ensure durability. "Besides being beautifully woven, the products need to be durable. To be durable, they must be dried in the sun sufficiently before weaving to make the rattan and bamboo fibers pliable," shared Mr. Lu Van Duc. Photo: Dao Tho

Most people in Dinh Son 1 village still maintain the traditional handcrafted methods. The weaving process must be carried out with great meticulousness and skill. On average, a skilled craftsman can complete one rattan tray in 3-5 days. Depending on the size, trays are sold for prices ranging from 600,000 VND to several million VND. Photo: Dao Tho

Mr. Lu Van Van, from Dinh Son 1 village, has over 40 years of experience in the craft. He is considered one of the best rattan chair weavers in the village. According to Mr. Van, choosing the right rattan is crucial for a sturdy and durable chair. Smaller rattan is easier to bend but less durable, while larger rattan, though harder and more difficult to bend, is more resistant to termites, allowing the chair to last for decades. Photo: Dao Tho

After completion, the products are taken to the attic and air-dried for a long time. The heat from the kitchen smoke gives the trays and chairs a beautiful golden color and extends their lifespan. “I earn about 5 million dong a month from weaving, much more than farming. That’s why my family has escaped poverty,” shared Mrs. Luong Thi Que. (Photo: Dao Tho)

Khmu children stand watching the adults weaving. Photo: Dao Tho.

The villagers' products are sold at the commune and district centers. Mr. La Van Ha, Chairman of the People's Committee of Huu Kiem commune, said: "Thanks to this craft, Dinh Son 1 village has gradually escaped poverty, and there are currently no poor households in the village. The commune is using funds from the production development project under Resolution 88/2019/QH14 to purchase rattan splitting and shaping machines, with a total capital of 100 million VND. The machines are expected to be delivered in 2023. Once invested in and put into use, the commune will develop a craft village to further promote its production." (Photo: Dao Tho)

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nguoi-kho-mu-dan-lat-de-thoat-ngheo-post278491.html