Currently, on weekends or holidays, the Gong Ensemble of Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet (Tan Hung commune) regularly performs at the Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area (Tay Ninh province) and the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site (Ho Chi Minh City). Through these performances, they promote the unique image of the S'tieng people to the public.
Gongs and drums transcend the mountains and reach far.
For the S'tieng people, gongs have been their soul for generations. The music emanating from these instruments is a message and a prayer they send to the deities during their special festivals. For the members of the Gong Ensemble of Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet, in addition to serving at cultural festivals, they also connect with other clubs and tourist destinations to perform gong music, promoting the image of their people.
For the S'tieng people, gongs are not just musical instruments, but the voice of their soul and community memories. During festivals, the sound of gongs blends with the dances, and people join hands to form a warm circle. In these performances, many tourists have immersed themselves in our culture, which has further strengthened the pride of the S'tieng people and motivated them to strive to maintain their unique identity.
Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area and Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site are two locations where the group frequently performs, leaving a positive impression on locals and tourists. Each trip is an opportunity to promote the cultural identity of the ethnic minority, helping people to better understand and appreciate the S'tieng people's culture. After three years of establishment, all members are proud of the joy they have achieved. No matter how busy they are, every evening they gather at the village cultural center to practice playing gongs and drums, maintaining traditional dances.
Ms. Dieu Thi Hong, a member of the Gong Ensemble of Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet, happily shared: “When we perform and receive encouragement from tourists, we feel happy and excited. This shows us that the culture of the S'tieng ethnic group is very unique and that we have a responsibility to preserve it.”
Mr. Dieu Dep is the leader of the Gong and Drum Group in Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet, with about 30 members. According to Mr. Dieu Dep, members who already know the skills will guide those who don't. Men learn to play gongs and drums, women learn to dance and sing...; and all the children in the hamlet participate, as they are the next generation to continue and preserve the resounding sounds of this vast forest.
"Innovation" in brocade
Having studied fashion design and recognizing the shortcomings in the business and consumption of traditional brocade products, Ms. Thi Xinh, Head of the Brocade Weaving Group in Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet (Tan Hung commune), boldly chose a new direction for this product. "Innovating" brocade, combining traditional brocade with modern garment materials to create a product suitable for the conditions and needs of modern life, is the approach she and the members of her group are currently taking.
“Traditional brocade is very beautiful but appeals to a niche market. That's why I thought I had to create many different designs, both traditional and modern, to reach a wider range of customers. This will help create jobs for our members and preserve the craft of our people,” said Ms. Thi Xinh.
Ms. Thi Gion is one of the long-standing and dedicated brocade weavers in Tra Thanh hamlet - Lo O. She estimates that a well-made brocade fabric with sharp, beautiful patterns usually takes a weaver about 3-5 months to weave, selling for 2-3 million VND. "With the new direction taken by the members of the group, I believe this is the way for brocade to be given a new, lighter image, while still retaining the rich cultural characteristics of the S'tieng people," Ms. Thi Gion shared.
Every beat of the gongs and drums that resounds today is a reminder: "Heritage truly comes alive only when it is shared and disseminated."
Since its inception, the members, especially the young people, have showcased these "innovative" products at numerous cultural events both within and outside the province. Members of the weaving group have also participated with the gong and drum group in performances in provinces and cities such as Hanoi , Tay Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City. Against the backdrop of gong and drum music, S'tieng girls in modern brocade costumes and characteristic dances create interest and encourage tourists to learn more. This demonstrates the initial effectiveness of the S'tieng people's "self-discovery and self-renewal" in preserving and spreading their culture.
Besides establishing a Brocade Entrepreneurship Group and participating in demonstrations at tourist destinations, women's associations at all levels, especially those of the S'tieng ethnic group, have maintained the "Beauty of Brocade Uniforms" model. This has encouraged S'tieng people of all ages in Tan Hung commune to wear brocade clothing, from traditional to modern styles, when going to public places or crowded areas.
For generations, gongs and brocade fabrics have been a form of music and traditional clothing in the small villages and hamlets of the highlands. But now, the sound of gongs and brocade fabrics has transcended boundaries, bringing the sacred spirit of the mountains and forests to many more places.
Source: https://dongnai.gov.vn/vi/news/van-hoa-dong-nai/nguoi-s-tieng-yeu-nghe-det-say-tieng-chieng-55583.html
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