Artisans contribute to making brocade weaving of Thai people in Nghe An a national heritage

Recently, the brocade weaving craft of the Thai ethnic group in Nghe An was officially included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

This is not only a great joy and pride for the Thai community, but also a worthy recognition for the efforts of artisans who work day and night to preserve and fuel a unique traditional craft.

In the peaceful space of the highland villages, the familiar sound of the loom still resounds every day – like the cultural breath of the Thai people. In mountainous districts such as Tuong Duong, Que Phong, Quy Chau… brocade weaving is not only a livelihood, but also an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the community.

Ms. Luong Thi Lan in Mac village, Thach Giam town, Tuong Duong district is known as one of the people with very skillful spinning and weaving skills. Photo: Dinh Tuan

From a young age, Thai girls are taught by their grandmothers and mothers how to spin, reel, dye, weave patterns and embroider. The sophisticated patterns imitating the sun, zigzag patterns, flowers, animals, etc. on the fabric are a testament to the rich imagination and skillful hands of Thai women. Each finished brocade piece is the crystallization of patience, perseverance, a deep love for the mountains and forests, and pride in the national cultural identity.

Artisan Luong Thi Lan, in Mac village, Thach Giam town, Tuong Duong district, is one of those who have been involved with the loom for a long time. After more than 55 years of keeping the craft, she still remembers every step her mother taught her since her childhood. Ms. Lan shared: “In the past, every house had a loom. Thai girls had to know how to weave before getting married. I have kept the craft until now, not for business, but because I want to preserve the soul of the nation. Hearing that the brocade weaving craft of the Thai people in Nghe An was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, I was very happy. That way, future generations will understand and appreciate more what their ancestors left behind.”

Not only continuing to preserve the craft, Ms. Lan also actively teaches brocade weaving techniques to the younger generation. Up to now, she has taught the craft to 764 people, many of whom have become artisans and continue to pass on the craft to the next generation. In recognition of her great contributions to preserving and promoting the traditional craft, the People's Committee of Tuong Duong district has prepared a dossier to propose the President to award the title of Meritorious Artisan in the field of intangible cultural heritage.

Not only Ms. Lan, many elderly artisans in highland villages are also trying to teach their profession to the younger generation, although modern life brings many challenges in preserving traditional values.

Ms. Vi Thi Lien, 75 years old, in Can village, Tam Thai commune, Tuong Duong district shared: “Few young people today are patient enough to follow this profession. But I still try to teach it to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I teach for free in the village, from how to spin thread, hold a shuttle to color matching, weaving patterns... Hearing that brocade weaving was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, I was moved to tears.”

Despite her old age, Ms. Vi Thi Lien still works hard to keep her job. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Representing the young generation of artisans, Ms. Vi Thi Hien (Can village, Tam Thai commune, Tuong Duong) although she has not been in the profession for long, her passion and desire to preserve and pass on the profession is no less than that of the elders. She confided: “Being recognized as a heritage is a great opportunity to promote Thai brocade more widely. This title is like a breath of fresh air, hopefully there will be more support policies so that the profession not only exists, but also develops prosperously.”

Sophisticated products are created by the skillful hands of Thai women. Photo: Dinh Tuan

The inclusion of the Thai brocade weaving craft in Nghe An into the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List is an important milestone, but also poses many responsibilities. Heritage conservation is not only about preserving techniques and patterns, but also about protecting the cultural environment, natural resources and especially training the next generation of artisans. Community training courses, support from local authorities in promotion, brand building and market connection will be practical solutions. Bringing brocade into tourism products and organizing brocade weaving experience spaces are also promising directions.

Thai dresses help to honor the cultural beauty and charm of Thai women. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Each brocade is not only a handmade product, but also the soul of the Thai people – a living heritage that is being carefully preserved. Today’s honor is a deep gratitude to the artisans – those who have, are and will continue to “keep the fire” so that the colors of Thai Nghe An brocade will last forever.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nhung-nghe-nhan-gop-phan-dua-det-tho-cam-cua-nguoi-thai-nghe-an-thanh-di-san-quoc-gia-10299682.html