The keeper of Khmer culture

With his passion and love for art, for over 30 years, Mr. Danh Tien, residing in An Tho hamlet, Go Quao commune, has devoted much effort and enthusiasm to the work of preserving and promoting the traditional culture of the Khmer people.

On a sunny afternoon, we followed a small concrete path to Mr. Danh Tien's house. In his house, Khmer ethnic costumes, crowns, masks, and traditional musical instruments were displayed, highlighting the space. Mr. Danh Tien can play Khmer musical instruments and compose scripts for teaching Khmer dance. Over the years, he has made many contributions to teaching traditional Khmer art to the next generation, contributing to preserving and promoting the value of the nation's cultural heritage.

Up to now, hundreds of people have been taught by him the techniques of using musical instruments, dances, and traditional songs of the Khmer people. He gathered descendants, young people in the clan, in the area to form a Khmer art troupe that regularly performs locally and nationwide. The art performances were carefully and creatively staged by Mr. Danh Tien, the graceful and unique performances of the team members have achieved many achievements and awards at festivals, competitions, and performances in the province and nationwide. In 2015, the art troupe he staged to participate in the 5th Vietnam Folk Song Festival in the Southern region won an excellent award.

Mr. Danh Tien's Khmer art troupe of An Tho hamlet is the core of the commune movement, especially on Khmer festivals and New Year's such as: Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, Ok Om Bok or the Khmer Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival of the province held annually in Go Quao. Many of the troupe's performances were selected by Vietnam Television and Kien Giang Radio and Television (formerly) to be broadcast on the station's Khmer language program.

Artisan Danh Tien teaches his grandson how to mix colors so that the mask can express the character's personality. Photo: CAM TU

In the family, Mr. Danh Tien focuses on passing on the passion, knowledge, and skills of dancing, singing, using musical instruments, and making props to promote the Khmer people's tradition of loving culture and art. He wants to pass on everything he has accumulated for his descendants to preserve.

In addition to his knowledge of Khmer folk art, artisan Danh Tien also researches and learns to make props to serve art performances such as: Mao (hats) and masks in dances of the Khmer people in the South. In the traditional performing arts and dances of the Khmer people such as ro bam and du ke, Mao and masks are two particularly important types of costumes, imbued with mysterious and sacred colors, expressing traditional culture. Mr. Danh Tien shared: “Maos and masks express the personality of each character, so the colors and characteristics of each product are different. The most difficult thing to make a mask is to create a soul for the character's face, requiring an understanding of the character's personality to be able to express it. Therefore, the mask maker must have a deep understanding of Khmer culture to create a standard product, expressing the character's spirit. The work is completely handcrafted, so every detail must be careful and meticulous.”

In recognition of his efforts and contributions to traditional arts, contributing to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Khmer people, in 2013, Mr. Danh Tien was awarded the medal "For the cause of culture, sports and tourism" by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2019, he was awarded the title of Meritorious Artisan by the President for his outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the nation's intangible cultural heritage.

“I always wonder how to effectively pass on the traditional cultural arts of the Khmer people to the next generation. What I do is not only out of passion but also out of responsibility to the younger generation and the nation, contributing to the preservation, conservation and development of the Khmer people’s arts,” said artist Danh Tien.

Despite his old age, Mr. Danh Tien still maintains his enthusiasm, always cares for and gathers talented young people who love traditional culture and arts to teach movements and dances that are correct, soulful, and true to the identity of the Khmer people. In the process of teaching dance, singing, and musical instruments to the younger generation, Mr. Danh Tien nurtures many outstanding talents, continuing to follow in his footsteps in preserving and developing the traditional culture of the Khmer people.

According to the people of An Tho hamlet, Mr. Danh Tien has made many contributions to the locality in developing the mass art movement, contributing to improving the cultural and spiritual life of the Khmer people and building new rural areas in Go Quao commune.

CAM TU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nguoi-giu-hon-van-hoa-khmer-a462223.html