Khmer colors in the heart of Bac Lieu Museum

Not only is it a space to display many diverse and vivid artifacts about the culture and people of Bac Lieu through many periods, the Bac Lieu Provincial Museum also carries the breath of the culture of the three ethnic groups Kinh - Khmer - Hoa. In particular, the Khmer cultural space gives viewers an impression of the simple, rustic life of a community rich in identity on the land of Bac Lieu.

CULTURAL SPACE OF 3 BROTHER ETHNIC GROUPS

With a 3-storey design, each floor at Bac Lieu Provincial Museum is like a separate chapter in the story of the land and its people. The first floor displays thematic exhibits on the history, administrative boundaries and natural environment of the province - an "introduction" that helps viewers define the geographical context and the flow of time from ancient times.

On the second floor, the door of culture opens, leading visitors into the world of Oc Eo culture and the spiritual living space of the three ethnic groups Kinh - Khmer - Hoa. Each area is designed according to a separate narrative but still harmonious in the whole. The highlight of this exhibition floor is the Khmer cultural space - brilliant, lively and full of emotion. Khmer pagoda roofs with elaborate carvings, festival musical instruments such as the pentatonic set... remind viewers of the major festivals of the Khmer people such as Chol-chnam-thmay, Sen Don-ta, Ooc-om-boc in many villages.

The combination of artifacts, models and documentary images has made the second floor space more lively, taking visitors on a colorful "journey" of Bac Lieu's heritage. Not only displaying musical instruments, this place also introduces models of traditional dishes of the Khmer people. The Khmer people's ceremonial costumes are neatly presented, showing the symbolism and aesthetics in every stitch. In particular, tools associated with agricultural life such as the reaping ring, the cutting board, the planting stake, the threshing tongs... are fully reproduced. Visitors can see with their own eyes the Khmer's reaping ring is made in the shape of the letter S, while the Kinh's reaping ring is in the shape of the letter V. This difference shows the creativity in agricultural production and also proves the unique cultural identity of the Khmer people.

Khmer cultural space is arranged visually and modernly at Bac Lieu Provincial Museum. Photo: TN

BRINGING KHMER CULTURE CLOSER TO THE PUBLIC

In the past, to see familiar objects such as farming tools, traditional costumes, and the five-tone musical set, people often had to go to the villages or admire them during Khmer festivals. Now, all are displayed in a modern, accessible space with images and information via LED screens and inspiring introductions from the museum's tour guides.

Thanks to the reasonable arrangement, the Khmer cultural space at the museum becomes close and friendly to all ages. From students to tourists inside and outside the province, everyone can learn about the origin and uses of farming tools, traditional rituals, and spiritual values ​​of the Khmer people in a visual and vivid way. The combination of models, images, and digitized artifacts brings multidimensional perspectives and interesting experiences when viewers can "see", "hear" and "feel" in the true sense. In addition, the cultural space of the three ethnic groups in general, and the Khmer cultural space in particular, also helps the young generation realize the richness of Bac Lieu's cultural heritage, thereby arousing pride and awareness of preserving traditional values, especially in the current context of integration.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh (Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu City) and her family visited and shared: “Visiting the Museum helps me understand more about my homeland, as well as understand more about the culture of the Khmer people. I think this is a great way to preserve national culture”.

With its lively and modern display, the Bac Lieu Provincial Museum can be considered a “local tourism” destination - where locals and visitors can find the original values ​​of Bac Lieu land without having to travel far. Above all, the Museum has contributed to bringing Khmer culture beyond geographical boundaries to get closer to the hearts of the public. That is one of the ways that Bac Lieu contributes to preserving its heritage by telling its story in a sincere, respectful and artistic way.

BUI TUYET

Source: https://www.baobaclieu.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/sac-mau-khmer-trong-long-bao-tang-bac-lieu-100750.html