The person who breathes life into shellfish

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Vung Tau city, there are still people who quietly preserve the breath of the sea in each of their exquisite handicrafts. They are artisans making shellfish handicrafts – a profession that has existed for nearly 40 years and was once the pride of the local people.

Through the hands of artisans, seashells and snail shells become shimmering, lively and full of art.

Amidst the waves crashing against the shore day and night, the clams and snails lying deep under the sea are brought up, cleaned, polished and given a completely new look: sparkling, lively and full of art. Each product not only contains the delicacy of the craftsman’s hands but also the story of the sea and the hard-working life of the people of Vung Tau.

The shellfish craft has been in Vung Tau for nearly four decades. At one point, dozens of households were involved in the craft, enough to supply products for ocean-going ships and the tourist market. However, due to fierce competition and changing tourist tastes, the entire ward now has only one facility maintaining production with about 10 households processing at home. Thanh Them shellfish craft facility is a rare bright spot that has persisted in maintaining the craft, sticking to traditional craft values.

Shell handicrafts are not only souvenirs, but also the crystallization of sea culture and the diligence of coastal people.

To turn a raw shell into a work of art such as a sailboat, a lamp or a mosaic, the craftsman must spend weeks, even months, painstakingly polishing and piecing it together. The craft of shellfish art is therefore not only a profession passed down from father to son, but also a journey of patience and creativity.

In response to market demands, the craftsmen have flexibly changed their production direction: focusing on compact, sophisticated products, suitable as gifts for tourists. This direction has brought about clear results, helping the facility's products to be widely consumed from Phu Quoc, Da Nang to Hanoi , creating a stable source of income for people who are committed to the profession.

The shell handicrafts are not only souvenirs, but also the crystallization of the sea culture and the diligence of the coastal people. Amidst the changes of the times, the craftsmen here still "breathe life" into each product every day, contributing to preserving and promoting the image of a talented and hospitable Vung Tau.

Source: https://quangngaitv.vn/nguoi-thoi-hon-vao-so-oc-6511359.html