Singapore Prime Minister's wife received conical hat and brocade costume

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology displays, introduces, and educates about the cultures of ethnic groups in Vietnam as well as other countries...

The museum comprises three exhibition areas: an exhibition area on ethnic groups in Vietnam, an outdoor exhibition area (Architectural Garden), and an exhibition area on ethnic groups in Southeast Asia.

The two Ladies visited the exhibition area.

At the museum, the First Ladies explored the rich and diverse cultural values at the exhibition area showcasing the cultures of Vietnamese ethnic groups, the Folk Architecture Garden, and the Southeast Asian exhibition.

At the Bronze Drum building, the wife of the Singaporean Prime Minister received a brief introduction to the ethnic groups of Vietnam, highlighting their distinctive features such as clothing, musical instruments, agricultural tools, everyday items, handicrafts, and rituals.

The two ladies had an exciting experience, like a journey from North to South, exploring ethnic groups such as: Viet-Muong, Tay-Thai, Kadai, Hmong-Dao, Han-Tibet, Mon-Khmer, and Austronesian.

The two ladies toured the museum's Architectural Garden.

At the spacious outdoor Architectural Garden, the two Ladies admired reconstructed folk architectural works from various regions. The houses and structures reflected the diversity of techniques and folk knowledge, while also recreating the lifestyles associated with the ecological zones and historical-cultural areas of the ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Mrs. Le Thi Bich Tran introduces the conical hat with lotus flower print to Mrs. Loo Tze Lui.

The two ladies wore conical hats and posed for a commemorative photo.

Next, the two Ladies watched artisans create Dong Ho paintings, one of Vietnam's most famous folk painting styles. Lady Le Thi Bich Tran presented Lady Loo Tze Lui with a painting of a buffalo herder playing a flute.

The two Ladies also observed the traditional hat-making craft of Chuong village (Hanoi). Lady Le Thi Bich Tran introduced Mrs. Loo Tze Lui to conical hats painted with lotus flowers – a characteristic flower of Vietnam – or conical hats decorated with colorful brocade patterns of various ethnic groups.

The Muong ethnic people presented traditional brocade costumes to the two ladies and introduced them to the unique features of the attire.

In traditional beliefs, brocade is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. The quantity and quality of brocade products in a family reflect the status and success of the homeowner. For Muong women, the skill of weaving and owning exquisite brocade products is considered a measure of value, dexterity, and diligence.

The two ladies were introduced to the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Muong ethnic group.

Mrs. Le Thi Bich Tran and Mrs. Loo Tze Lui then enjoyed traditional art with the smooth melodies of Quan Ho folk songs from Bac Ninh such as "Inviting Water, Inviting Betel"; along with instrumental performances of Singaporean songs…