Finding a new direction for zèng

HNN - Not only preserving the traditional zèng weaving craft of the Pa Cô, Tà Ôi, and Cơ Tu ethnic groups, many women in A Lưới 4 commune are gradually taking their brocade products further through creativity and the application of digital technology.

Ms. Le Thi Luan (on the right) introduces Zèng woven products to customers.

Bringing products closer to consumers.

In a small house in Cưrxo village, A Lưới 4 commune, the rhythmic clicking of the loom continues every day. For 37-year-old Lê Thị Luận, the zèng weaving craft is not only a livelihood but also a source of pride and a cultural heritage passed down from previous generations of her family.

Despite being a teacher with a stable job, Ms. Luan still dedicates much of her time to her family's traditional weaving craft. Concerned about the potential decline of the Zèng weaving craft due to difficulties in selling the products and the lack of interest from young people, she was determined to find a new direction to bring the products closer to customers.

In the early years, finding a market for the products was fraught with difficulties. Ms. Luan personally brought her zèng products to introduce them at fairs and markets in neighboring provinces such as Da Nang , Quang Tri, and many other locations. “The biggest challenge was getting consumers to know about the products. The zèng weaving craft requires a lot of effort and time; if we can't find a market, the villagers will lose the motivation to continue the craft. Therefore, I always try to promote the products in many places and learn how to sell them on digital platforms,” Ms. Luan shared.

Recognizing the growing popularity of online shopping, Ms. Luan boldly applied technology to her business. Her zèng products are regularly featured on social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and online sales channels. As a result, the products are no longer confined to the local area but reach a wide customer base nationwide. Besides traditional products like fabric for clothing and ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress), she has also created many new items such as handbags, wallets, hair ties, and fashion accessories... to suit the tastes of modern consumers.

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Admiring the displayed brocade products, Ms. Le Thi Anh Nguyet, a tourist from Da Nang, said: “Through social media, I have bought Ms. Luan's zeng woven products many times. Now that I have the opportunity to come to Hue , I continue to look for them to buy as gifts for my relatives. The products are very beautiful, rich in cultural identity, and highly practical.”

Creating jobs for women.

The positive reception from customers motivated Ms. Luan to continue investing in production development, improving product quality, and expanding the market. With a stable market for her products, Ms. Luan boldly expanded production scale, hiring more local women to work in the industry.

Ms. Ho Thi Nha, from A Roang village, A Luoi 4 commune, said: “Besides farming, I take advantage of weaving zèng fabric to earn extra income. Thanks to the products selling well, I have regular work with an income of 3 to 5 million VND per month. This work has helped my family improve our living standards significantly.”

Sharing the same joy, Ms. Ho Thi Trui from Curxo village said: “There was a time when zeng woven products were very difficult to sell, mainly used only by the Pa Co, Ta Oi, and Co Tu people. But since the products have been promoted on digital platforms, more people know about and love them. They not only buy fabric to make clothes but also choose creative products such as handbags, wallets, hair ties, or souvenirs to use and collect.”

From just a few looms in her family, Ms. Luan's production model has now created regular jobs for many women in the area, contributing to their additional income. Not only does it create livelihoods for the people, but the development of the Zèng weaving craft also contributes to preserving the unique traditional cultural values ​​of the ethnic minorities in the A Lưới highlands.

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Ms. Vu Ngoc Thuong, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of A Luoi 4 commune, said: “Ms. Le Thi Luan is very dedicated to bringing the local traditional craft products to a wider market. Not only does she strive to promote and find markets for her products, but she also creates jobs for many female members of the Women's Union. She is a prime example of economic development, boldly applying digital technology to production, business, and product consumption.”

Text and photos: Thao Vy

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/tim-huong-di-moi-cho-zeng-167235.html