Báo Đồng Nai•04/07/2026 |
| Mnong women are passionate about and proud of their people's traditional weaving craft, which has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. |
With its distinctive and unique values in material crafting and pattern creation, in 2023, the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Mnong people in the communes of Bu Gia Map, Tho Son, Phu Son, Dak Nhau, etc., was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Exquisite in every pattern and fabric texture.
Unlike mass-produced textiles, the brocade fabrics of the Mnong people are considered masterpieces of art. Living in harmony with nature, the Mnong people bring the entire pristine universe into every thread of their cloth.
According to Mnong women, in the past, creating a complete brocade product was an extremely elaborate and meticulous handcrafted process. From growing cotton, spinning yarn, crafting looms from forest trees, to finding tree bark and roots for dyeing... all required the skill and patience of the craftsman.
Ms. Thi An De is considered a master of brocade weaving in Tho Son today, not only because of her talent and skillful hands that have woven hundreds of brocade fabrics, but also because of her understanding of the entire brocade-making process and the cultural depth of the weaving craft. Ms. Thi An De said: "With brocade, you have to identify and correctly utilize natural materials such as leaves and tree bark to create unique and unusual dyes. The natural fibers help the brocade of the Mnong people stay warm in winter and cool in summer . The exquisite patterns on the brocade are inspired by life and labor, and through the skillful hands, talent, creativity, and meticulousness of the women, they create brocade products that are colorful, stylish, and durable over time."
“In the past, it took a whole year from growing cotton to spinning and dyeing. Now, we can improve by using readily available yarn on the market to reduce the time spent searching for raw materials, focusing on weaving and creating patterns. If we continue weaving in the traditional way, the cost of the product, calculated in terms of daily labor, will be very high, making it inaccessible to consumers. This is something the government needs to research to support the people in redefining the product segment,” shared Ms. Thi An De.
In the minds of the Mnong people, brocade plays an important role in both their material and spiritual lives. Mr. Dieu Dieu, Head of the Ethnic Affairs Committee of the Dong Nai City People's Council, a person with deep knowledge of the culture of indigenous ethnic groups in Dong Nai, shared: “Brocade is used for many things. It can be used as blankets for the living and even when people pass away, they use brocade blankets for burial. Brocade is used to make scarves for carrying babies, women's skirts, men's cloaks, and even ceremonial items, bags, and many other things… so the economic and cultural value of brocade is very great.”
As proof of this, Ms. Thi An De said: "When a daughter gets married and goes to her husband's house, her dowry cannot be without a blanket or a dress or blouse made of brocade fabric that she herself wove as a gift for the groom's family. It is a token of her affection, respect, and also an affirmation of the value of the daughter."
Unique tourism products and services
In the past, Mnong women would often take advantage of their free time after the harvest season to weave fabric for self-sufficiency or to exchange for livestock and rice. However, today, the value of brocade is facing new challenges and opportunities in the market economy.
Ms. Thi An De confided: "This is very difficult, meticulous, and time-consuming. Each pattern is a different design concept. But the good news is that even now, when I pass the craft on to my grandchildren, they still try to learn, explore, and weave." The continuation of the craft through generations is a welcome sign, but for traditional crafts to thrive, love alone is not enough.
From a management and conservation perspective, Mr. Dieu Dieu stated: "Brocade is a heritage. Its essence is passed down orally and through cultural practices; if not carefully preserved, it can easily fade away. However, to preserve it, we must help the people earn a living from the craft, that is, transform the heritage into an economic asset."
From being a commodity for daily life, Mnong brocade has now become a unique tourism product and an indispensable part of the costumes in the cultural festivals of the Southern region. Along with the brocade of the Xtieng, Ede, and Choro peoples, the indigo and red hues of Mnong brocade have woven a vibrant tapestry, enriching the colorful cultural tapestry of the great family of Vietnamese ethnic groups.
In 2023, the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Mnong people in the communes of Bu Gia Map, Tho Son, Phu Son, and Dak Nhau (Bu Dang district), Binh Phuoc province, was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This not only contributes to honoring and affirming the historical, cultural, and scientific values of the traditional craft, but also acknowledges the efforts of local authorities, the culture, sports, and tourism sector, and especially the dedication of the artisans and the Mnong community in maintaining, preserving, and promoting the value of brocade weaving.
Minh Luan
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202607/oc-dao-sac-mau-tho-cam-mnong-b0f1111/
