Thanh Hoa is known as one of the localities with many traditional craft villages, including some that have existed and developed for hundreds of years. However, many craft villages are currently facing the risk of disappearing due to market mechanisms. Therefore, preserving traditional crafts is a major concern for both the people and the local government.
The craft of weaving rattan and bamboo in Chinh Trung Street, Tan Phong town (Quang Xuong).
The rattan and bamboo weaving craft in Chinh Trung Street, Tan Phong town (Quang Xuong district) has existed since 1955 and once attracted a large number of local people, providing a stable income. At its peak, the workforce was at its largest, mostly consisting of young, skilled artisans who supplied products to various places. However, in recent years, the rattan and bamboo weaving craft in Chinh Trung has not flourished as before, and the number of skilled artisans has gradually decreased. Currently, only a few households in the area still practice the craft, and the difficulty in selling the products has left people wondering whether to continue or abandon it.
Having been involved in the craft for nearly half a century, Mr. Bui Van Bon, from Chinh Trung Street, couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness when recalling the profession he had experienced through so many ups and downs. “In my village, there are now only about 10 families still producing these items, mostly elderly people, and the quantity of products is very small and sporadic. The younger generation is no longer interested in the craft; most have gone to work as factory workers or in other jobs. My family is now just my wife and I, weaving and crocheting every day. However, since Tet (Lunar New Year), there haven't been any new orders, so I've had to go back to farming to support my family,” Mr. Bon said. On average, Mr. Bon and his wife, along with other families in the area, only earn about 20,000 dong a day weaving bamboo and rattan products. Because of this meager income, many have gradually abandoned the craft to find other jobs, leaving only the elderly who use their free time to earn a little extra income to help their children and grandchildren, partly out of attachment to the craft passed down from their ancestors.
Xuan Hong commune (Tho Xuan district) was once famous for its pressed bamboo mat weaving craft. During its heyday, over 80% of the commune's workforce participated in production, and this craft was considered the main source of income for thousands of people at that time. Back then, trucks carrying bamboo and reeds arrived daily to supply households with raw materials for producing pressed bamboo mats. However, facing the rapid changes in the market, pressed bamboo mat products are gradually being replaced by products made from synthetic plastics and other materials, putting the craft at risk of disappearing.
Mr. Le Dinh Hao, Deputy Head of the Economic and Infrastructure Department of Tho Xuan District, shared: "Previously, pressed bamboo products were mainly supplied to construction projects, but nowadays, many modern devices have replaced them, so the demand for pressed bamboo has decreased sharply. In addition, the development of plastic products has left the pressed bamboo making craft with no market, and many people have abandoned the profession because the products are not selling."
It can be said that the decline of traditional crafts and trades is due to many reasons. Partly, this is because consumer demands are increasingly high, requiring higher quality products and more diverse designs. Many craft villages fail to meet these demands, making their products uncompetitive with modern industrial products on the market. On the other hand, working conditions in rural craft villages are still difficult, with low incomes, causing young workers to seek out industries with better development opportunities and more stable incomes. Furthermore, a large number of craftsmen and artisans do not receive regular training, resulting in weak processing capabilities and low added value in some product lines.
The decline of traditional craft villages also means the loss of the long-standing cultural heritage of each locality. Therefore, preserving, maintaining, and promoting traditional craft villages is an essential task, not only contributing to honoring the cultural values left by our ancestors, but also helping rural people find stable jobs and increase their income. Besides the efforts of each craft village, support from relevant departments, agencies, and localities is crucial in developing plans and policies to restore and preserve craft villages; thereby resolving difficulties and obstacles, and creating favorable conditions for their development.
Text and photos: Chi Pham
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tran-tro-nghe-truyen-thong-217395.htm
Comment (0)