Livelihood from weaving looms

THO CAM 1 — Special products from Co Tu brocade of the Dang commune brocade weaving cooperative. Photo: LE MY

Commercialization of brocade

Co Tu women have been familiar with weaving since childhood. However, the products they make are mainly for their families during traditional festivals. In recent years, weaving is in danger of disappearing as young people are no longer interested and the village gradually loses the sound of looms.

In order to preserve and develop traditional crafts, in 2023, the Tay Giang District Women's Union will deploy the model of "Developing brocade weaving" in Dang commune. The model takes the spirit of self-reliance and mutual support of members as the foundation to innovate products, create livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable poverty reduction.

THO CAM 3 — Young people are interested in brocade weaving. Photo: LE TIEN

According to Ms. Briu Thi Nem - President of the Tay Giang District Women's Union, up to now, there have been 31 members who are Co Tu people participating in the brocade weaving cooperative model. Members voluntarily contribute funds to buy raw materials such as looms, wool, beads, etc. After the products are completed, the District Women's Union coordinates with the District Education and Training Department to encourage officials, teachers, and students in the area to wear traditional costumes at the beginning of the week or on holidays. At the same time, connect with tourist attractions and exhibition spaces of the district to introduce brocade products such as skirts, blanket covers, ties, wallets, etc.

“Using brocade in daily life will help the product reach the market easily, suitable for tourists’ tastes. Thereby, contributing to promoting the Co Tu cultural identity and creating more income for members” – Ms. Nem shared.

Together to preserve

To make the products attractive to customers but still retain traditional characteristics, Dang Commune Brocade Weaving Cooperative encourages the creativity of each member. Ms. Hoi Thi Loi - Head of the cooperative said that completing a brocade product takes a lot of time and effort.

Although industrial wool can now be used to replace natural fibers, the processing still requires technique and experience. Wool must go through many stages such as separating fibers, soaking in porridge water, beeswax, drying... to limit pilling and ensure durability. When the fibers have hardened, they are rolled up and put on the weaving frame.

THO CAM 4 — Brocade shows the skillful hands of Co Tu women. Photo: HO QUAN

The weaving process requires skill, meticulousness and a high sense of aesthetics. Each wool thread and each bead is carefully arranged and calculated to create patterns that are imbued with the Co Tu identity. A men's jacket or a women's dress can take from several weeks to several months to complete, depending on the size and complexity.

Ms. Alang Thi Lu (50 years old, Tul village, Dang commune) shared: “Joining the cooperative helps me earn more income from the products I make. More importantly, I can keep the profession and be creative on each piece of fabric. I hope that when the products are widely used, young people will love brocade more and continue the traditional profession.”

THO CAM 2 — Beautiful products of Dang Commune Brocade Weaving Cooperative. Photo: LE TIEN

Currently, most of the skilled brocade weavers in Tay Giang are elderly. However, the good news is that about 30% of local youths know the craft and want to continue it. The District Women's Union and the Dang Commune People's Committee are actively seeking outlets and connecting markets so that the Co Tu brocade products produced by local women are increasingly widely known.

[ VIDEO ] - Ms. Briu Thi Nem - President of the Women's Union of Tay Giang district shared about the brocade weaving of women in Dang commune:

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/sinh-ke-tu-nhung-khung-det-3155666.html