Unique features in the handicraft products of the Co Ho people

As one of two indigenous ethnic minority villages of Bao Thuan commune, Lam Dong province, Due village is not only known for its unique traditional culture but also for the traditional weaving craft of the Co Ho people.

The weaving profession not only brings economic value and creates more jobs for people, but also contributes to preserving, conserving and promoting the good cultural values of the Co Ho people.

Coming to Due village, it is not difficult to see the image of people from old to young gathering to weave, creating unique baskets, baskets, trays, etc. Mrs. K'Ep, a skilled wicker artisan, said that to complete a wicker product, it must go through many stages, from going to the forest to get bamboo, reed, and bamboo, splitting it, and then to the meticulous weaving stage. Products with decorative motifs require creativity and skill.

Currently, Mrs. K'Ep is not only the best wicker in the area, she also teaches weaving techniques to her children and villagers. Every year, she teaches the craft to 20-30 people, especially girls aged 14-17. "This is a traditional craft passed down from my grandparents, now I try to preserve the traditional craft of my ancestors," Mrs. K'Ep shared.

With decades of experience in the profession, village elder K'Tieu said that to have beautiful and durable baskets, baskets, and trays, villagers often go into the forest to choose bamboo trees that are not too young or too old to use as weaving materials. "The weaving profession has existed for a long time. In the family, weaving is the work of both men and women. For me, weaving not only brings income but is also a beautiful traditional culture that needs to be preserved and passed on to children and grandchildren," village elder K'Tieu affirmed.

Due village currently has 254 households, with more than 98% being indigenous ethnic minorities. In the past, weaving mainly served the family's daily needs during the off-season. However, in recent years, the weaving movement has developed strongly and the products have become popular commodities.

Currently, Due village has nearly 100 households engaged in the weaving profession. In addition to farming, the weaving profession not only brings economic value, creates more jobs for the villagers but also contributes to preserving and promoting the long-standing cultural identity. According to the leader of Bao Thuan Commune People's Committee, Due village weaving craft village has been recognized by Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee as meeting the standards of a traditional craft village in 2022.

The local government has organized many training courses and transferred weaving techniques to the people, helping to diversify products to meet consumer demand. The province is making efforts to turn weaving products into OCOP products, both preserving traditional crafts and helping people increase their income.

Article and photos: LE GIANG NAM

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/net-doc-dao-trong-san-pham-thu-cong-cua-nguoi-co-ho-381868.html