The place that "keeps the soul" of traditional brocade of the Muong ethnic group

From the looms that were once quietly covered in dust, Muong women in Com hamlet, Tan Lac commune have “awakened” and restored the traditional brocade weaving craft. Now, Dong Lai Traditional Brocade Weaving and General Services Cooperative not only creates a livelihood for the people, but also becomes a bright spot in preserving and promoting the national cultural identity.

Reviving the looms

There was a time when the weaving looms lay still, and Com hamlet had no sound of weaving brocade.

There was a time when the sound of looms in Muong Com gradually became less and less heard. Brocade weaving - the pride of the Muong people for generations - was in danger of being lost. Worried about this situation, in 2008, 8 middle-aged and elderly artisans in the village volunteered to teach the craft and mobilize people to preserve the heritage left by their ancestors.

Thanks to the love for the craft and the awareness of preserving the national culture, by 2015, the artisans had taught 15 skilled people. Since then, the sound of the shuttle has been bustling in the Muong village. The weaving profession was revived, in 2017, Com hamlet was recognized as a traditional brocade weaving village and was supported with 3 sewing machines and 70 looms.

Artisans teach weaving to the younger generation

Initially, when receiving support, people were excited and enthusiastic about weaving, but the products made were numerous but sales were difficult. Once again, many looms were covered with dust and lay idle, with only a few artisans continuing to weave to meet their own needs or sell small amounts at the market.

The turning point came in early 2023, when the commune was determined to restore the traditional brocade weaving craft. After preparations, the Dong Lai Traditional Brocade Weaving and General Service Cooperative was officially established in June 2023. Young cadre Bui Van Khoa, born in 1987, was assigned the role of Director, responsible for organizing production, connecting, promoting product consumption... The artisans are middle-aged and elderly women who focus on production and passing on the craft to the younger generation.

Loom revival, traditional brocade weaving craft preserved and promoted

The cooperative has 54 members. At this time, Muong Com only has 34 looms and 3 working sewing machines. It is no longer a craft village, but it still has a profession. The “fire” of passion for the profession still smolders in the artisans of Muong land, just waiting for a “new wind” to be fanned again.

Preserving traditional crafts, weaving new life

The Muong people in Com hamlet grow mulberry, raise silkworms, and grow cotton to weave cloth.

The special thing is that 100% of the steps are done by hand by the members of the Cooperative, from growing mulberry, growing cotton, raising silkworms, spinning yarn to weaving fabric. The Cooperative maintains a 10-hectare raw material area, of which 5 hectares are for growing cotton, 5 hectares for growing mulberry and raising silkworms. Because of the traditional craft, the weaving output per person is not much, but each pattern is very delicate and unique.

The spinning process is done by hand.

Muong skirt waistbands, scarves... are woven with sophisticated techniques and skillful hands of artisans. Each product is like a separate work of art. They are practicing the heritage "Muong people's skirt waistband pattern making art" which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

From natural materials, artisans create colorful brocades.

Is it not easy to make a product that is safe for health and contains a unique cultural identity but is difficult to consume? That question makes Director Bui Van Khoa ponder. And he and the members of the cooperative gradually draw experience and innovate themselves through specific actions.

Brocades contain unique Muong cultural identity

The Cooperative has opened up and diversified its products such as bags, wallets, blankets, pillows, tablecloths, shuttlecocks... to meet market demand. The products are not only sold at markets or ethnic costume shops in the region, but are also promoted on e-commerce platforms and are available at tourist attractions. At the same time, the Cooperative actively participates in fairs, exhibitions, and connection programs to sell its products.

From Muong land, brocades are brought to participate in fairs and exhibitions.

With the effort to preserve traditional handicrafts and innovate to suit the times, by 2025, the Cooperative's brocade weaving products will meet the provincial 3-star OCOP standard. The Cooperative supplies the market with over 10,000 products/year, creating additional jobs for Muong ethnic women with an income of 3-4 million VND/month.

As a dedicated artisan preserving the traditional craft and a key member of the cooperative, Ms. Bui Thi Mia shared: Since childhood, my grandmother and mother taught me the weaving craft. This is truly the creation and folk knowledge of our ancestors, because each pattern and design is very meticulous and skillful, expressing the customs and worldview of the Muong people. If you do not study with passion, it will be difficult to master it. Therefore, we are happy that the craft has been restored, not only creating more jobs for our people but also promoting traditional cultural values.

Mrs. Bui Thi Mia (brown shirt) is passionate about weaving and is happy that the profession has been restored.

At the end of September, we visited the cooperative. The artisans were busy spinning and weaving to complete the order of 100 meters of brocade tablecloths for customers. The excitement spread as the artisans weaved and sang Muong folk songs.

By diligently preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​of the Muong ethnic group, in 2024, the Cooperative was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; in 2025, it was evaluated as one of the typical examples in the patriotic emulation movement of the province.

The bustling sound of brocade weaving in Com hamlet, Tan Lac commune

Amidst the modern pace of life, the sound of the loom in Com hamlet still echoes like a whisper of the past. And so that the brocades can continue to be woven with pride and provide livelihoods for the people, the Cooperative hopes to receive attention and support in investing in factories, raw material areas and participating in product consumption connection programs, so that each thread in Muong land can extend the aspiration for the future.

Cam Le

Source: https://baophutho.vn/noi-giu-hon-tho-cam-truyen-thong-dan-toc-muong-240678.htm