The one who keeps the sounds of the homeland

In 1991, Ms. Tich and her family moved from Cao Bang province to Dak Lak. When she was still in her hometown, the melodies of Then singing and the simple sounds of Tinh zither were often heard in art programs and festivals. The geographical and time distance made the familiar sounds evoke nostalgia for her homeland.

In her spare time, Mrs. Tich practices the zither to satisfy her passion.

When arriving at Dak Phoi, Mrs. Tich realized that Cao Bang village was home to a large community of Tay and Nung people from Cao Bang province. It was here that the Tinh lute and Then singing performances were fully and vividly performed by the people in major events such as the National Great Unity Day or local congresses. These occasions ignited her passion, urging her to turn to the traditional culture of her homeland.

Ms. Tich began the process of making the Dan Tinh herself through the guidance of the elders in the village. Later, she proactively learned more and improved her skills through social media channels. Ms. Tich revealed that to make a standard Dan Tinh, the most important step is choosing the materials. She must choose large, well-shaped dried gourds to ensure the sound is clear and accurate. The gourds cut from the garden will have their tops cut off, soaked in water for about a week to remove all the cores. Next, the gourds are thoroughly dried and painted with a good layer of paint on both the inside and outside for long-term preservation, against termites and mold. Then, a sharp iron bar is used, heated over charcoal, to punch out the sound holes. The lid is a thin piece of wood, firmly attached to the gourd.

Of all the steps, the neck making requires the most meticulousness and takes the most time. The neck is made from various woods, which must be meticulously cut to the right size, curvature and length before being firmly attached to the body. Finally, she chooses the appropriate strings to complete the strings and tune them.

Mrs. Tich and the Cao Bang village art troupe performed Tinh lute and Then singing.

Mrs. Tich does not remember how many Tinh instruments she has made to serve her own passion for playing and singing Then. With her self-made Tinh instrument, over the years, Mrs. Tich has been an active member of the Cao Bang women's association, together bringing Then singing and Tinh instruments to many meaningful performances in Dak Phoi commune. Although not an artisan, Mrs. Tich has contributed significantly to preserving and spreading the traditional culture of her homeland.

Secretary of the Cao Bang village Party Cell Luc Thi Doi said that Cao Bang village has 147 households and 614 people, of which the Tay and Nung ethnic groups from Cao Bang province account for about 80% of the village's population. Although living far from their homeland, the people still preserve the traditional culture of their ethnic group, especially the Tinh lute and Then singing. The Then singing and Tinh lute sessions held on holidays, Tet, and the Great Unity Festival not only help enrich the spiritual and cultural life of Cao Bang village but also contribute to the diversity and colorfulness of the general culture of Dak Phoi commune.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202511/nguoi-luu-giu-thanh-am-que-huong-47b1f70/