Connecting from the art of weaving - A meaningful global initiative
The “Weaving Hope” project is an artistic initiative implemented by the UNESCO Kutralkura Global Geopark (Chile) in collaboration with the Catholic University of Temuco (Chile), with the participation of global geoparks around the world . Each park will send a textile to the 11th International Conference of the Global Geopark Network (held from 8-12 September 2025 in Chile) reflecting the cultural identity of its region.
The textiles from many ethnic groups and countries are vivid cultural pieces of the unique cultural heritage of the world's ethnic communities, preserved and maintained for hundreds and thousands of years, which will be connected into a unified work of art and solemnly displayed at the conference, as a symbol of solidarity among the world's ethnic groups in their responsibility for sustainable development. After the event, all textiles from the Geoparks of the countries will be sent to UNESCO headquarters in Paris (France) as a global message about preserving the memory of human cultural heritage.
Tay brocade - Memories of heritage land
Among hundreds of intangible heritages in Cao Bang , Tay ethnic brocade is a typical symbol, crystallized from a long-standing cultural tradition, expressing the worldview, outlook on life, folk aesthetics and indigenous knowledge that have been passed down for hundreds and thousands of years. Responding to the "Weaving Hope" project, the Cao Bang Geopark Management Board chose to send to the conference an indigo brocade fabric of the Tay ethnic group - an ethnic group with a large population and a long-standing culture in Cao Bang province. Currently, Tay ethnic brocade is still hand-woven on traditional looms, with natural materials: linen, cotton, indigo dye from leaves...
The unique feature of Tay brocade is not only the characteristic indigo background color but also the system of patterns divided into 4 main groups: Geometric patterns: rhombuses, squares, interlocking triangles, symbolizing balance, growth and reincarnation. Plant patterns: chrysanthemums, forest leaves, bamboo branches - symbols of closeness to nature and the cycle of growth. Animal patterns: Lac birds, fish, dragons - associated with legends and spiritual life. Religious patterns have sacred elements, expressing spiritual depth and the connection between humans - the universe - nature.
Each pattern is a story, each thread is a memory "remembered" by fabric, blue, red, purple, yellow threads... The meticulousness in each hand-weaving stage, from spinning, indigo dyeing to fabric, colored threads on the loom, shuttle on the frame, weaving and interweaving threads into many patterns, interweaving delicate colors... Brocade not only shows the skillful and talented hands of the Tay people but also reflects the cyclical lifestyle, harmony between people and nature - true to the spirit of sustainable development.
Artisan Nong Thi Thuoc, Tay ethnic group, Luong Noi hamlet, Ha Quang commune, demonstrated Tay ethnic brocade weaving at the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, Asia-Pacific region in 2024 in Cao Bang.
Tay ethnic artist
During the process of selecting, restoring and weaving brocade samples to send to the conference, the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark coordinated with many Tay ethnic artisans to weave brocade in the communes of Hoa An and Ha Quang, embroidering elaborately. The Tay brocade fabric was handwoven by experienced artisans for more than two months, meticulously from the stages of choosing yarn, dyeing indigo, framing, weaving the background, creating patterns... Each stage requires experience in choosing yarn, embroidery thread, color matching, precise techniques and a deep understanding of the meaning of traditional indigenous culture. The brocade sent to the conference was recreated by Tay artisans with delicate and meaningful traditional patterns. Artisan Nong Thi Thuoc, Tay ethnic, Luong Noi hamlet, Ha Quang commune, who has been attached to the traditional loom for more than 45 years, shared: I learned to weave brocade since I was a young girl, from my grandmother and mother. Each piece of fabric is a part of the soul of our Tay people. Indigo is the blue of the earth and sky, and patterns are the language of folk knowledge.
The color scheme in the fabric also clearly shows technique and aesthetics: the fabric is dyed indigo blue, dotted with red, yellow, green, purple threads... each color represents an element: red symbolizes fortune, yellow represents light, green represents unity and harmony, purple represents loyalty... All are woven rhythmically, showing folk aesthetics combined with sophisticated techniques, bringing high aesthetics.
Not only do artisans like Mrs. Thuoc maintain their craft, they also teach the younger generation in the village, especially the Tay girls, how to weave exquisite brocades to pass on and preserve their identity, creating a sustainable livelihood from their traditional craft. For Mrs. Thuoc, each pattern woven on the loom is a link between the past and the future, between indigenous culture and the pulse of the modern world.
Commitment to preserving heritage - The role of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark
Participating in the "Weaving Hope" Project is not only a cultural exchange activity but also demonstrates the responsibility and strong commitment of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in preserving and promoting intangible cultural values associated with reviving cultural traditions as an endogenous strength for Cao Bang to develop its socio-economy, especially sustainable tourism development.
Tay ethnic brocade fabric of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark participates in the "Weaving Hope" Project.
Cao Bang currently has more than 40 intangible cultural heritages inventoried within the Geopark, of which 3 have just been recognized at the national level by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism: Tay Nom script, the beeswax pattern printing technique of the Tien Dao people, and the art of painting worship paintings of the Red Dao people. The activities of the Geopark are always integrated with heritage communication, community tourism, craft preservation, and local education, helping the heritage to "live" with the community.
Director of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Management Board Vi Tran Thuy said: Through the "Weaving Hope" Project, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark wishes to bring the image of people and unique culture of the ethnic minorities of Non Nuoc Cao Bang to international friends. Each brocade fabric is a message: We not only preserve the geological heritage, natural environment, majestic mountains and forests, but also preserve the precious spiritual values, unique cultural heritage of the indigenous ethnic minorities who have lived together for thousands of years in the Geopark heritage area.
Towards the future - Heritage connects sustainable development
When textiles from many global geoparks converged at Kutralkura (Chile), the Tay ethnic brocade of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark blended with the colors of textiles from Italy, Korea, Kenya, Canada... spreading a strong message: heritage is not just for looking at, but for living, sharing and for hoping.
As the world seeks sustainable development models that preserve heritage and respect cultural diversity, initiatives like “Weaving Hope” demonstrate how local communities, led by athletes, can contribute to global sustainable development.
And so, every time the sound of the loom clattering resounds in Cao Bang, it is not only the sound of the past but also the echo of the future: where culture is passed on, honored and firmly connected with the world.
Source: https://baocaobang.vn/gop-phan-dua-di-san-van-hoa-cao-bang-hoa-nhip-cung-the-gioi-3178840.html
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