Great opportunity for brocade weaving of Thai people in Nghe An
Thanh Phuc•June 17, 2025 09:27
Once teetering between extinction and revival, the brocade weaving craft of the Thai people in Western Nghe An has now been reinvigorated by the decision to recognize it as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Not only is it a source of cultural pride, it is also an opportunity to open up new livelihoods for local people, from stilt houses to cooperatives, from traditional looms to modern products in harmony with community tourism.
Under the roof of a traditional stilt house in Bac Ly commune, two generations of Thai women, one old and one young, work hard at the loom, keeping the brocade weaving craft alive in the midst of modern life. Photo: TPThe wrinkled, dark hands of the nearly 100-year-old woman diligently following each thread and stitch are living proof of the perseverance and tenacity of Thai women in preserving the traditional profession through the ups and downs of history. Photo: TPNext to the golden cocoons, Thai women prepare for the silk reeling stage, starting the unique handmade brocade weaving process. Photo: TPSilk spinning is one of the stages that requires skill and patience. Each spin is a life cycle of silk thread that is carefully cared for by nature. Photo: TPBrown tubers, purple leaves, and forked stems are traditional dyeing materials. The colors of the mountains and forests of Western Nghe An create durable fabric colors that do not fade over time. Photo: TPEach pattern on the brocade is a slice of culture: the image of a house, a deer, a stream… contains the beliefs, philosophy of life and soul of the Thai people. Photo: TPThe elderly are devoted to teaching the weaving craft to the younger generation, an important link in the chain of preserving and promoting cultural heritage amid the flow of integration. Photo: TPIn order for traditional crafts to not only live in memory but continue to breathe in today's life, the core is to have the next generation, young people who are not only good at their craft, but also dare to innovate their methods, market thinking and communication. A typical example is Ms. Sam Thi Tinh - daughter of Meritorious Artisan Sam Thi Bich in Hoa Tien village, Chau Tien commune (Quy Chau) who boldly put brocade on e-commerce platforms, opened stores in Hanoi, and brought products to international fairs. Photo: NVCC With the mindset of young people, the brocade weaving profession has now produced diverse products: bags, wallets, stuffed animals, bed sheets, tablecloths - highly applicable, meeting consumer tastes. Photo: TPAt community homestays in Hoa Tien village, Chau Tien commune (Quy Chau), Bong village, Thanh Son commune (Anh Son) or Xieng village, Mon Son commune, Nua village, Yen Khe commune (Con Cuong), looms are placed in the reception space like a "living museum" to help visitors experience and understand more deeply about brocade weaving culture. Photo: CSCCMany cooperatives and weaving groups in mountainous districts such as Quy Chau, Que Phong, Con Cuong, Anh Son, etc. have been established and operate effectively, bringing products to large markets and creating more jobs and income for many local workers. Photo: TP
On June 10, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung signed Decision No. 1657/QD-BVHTTDL on including the brocade weaving craft of the Thai people in Nghe An in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, belonging to the category of traditional handicrafts.
According to the Decision, People's Committees at all levels where heritage is located are responsible for State management according to the provisions of the Law on Cultural Heritage, ensuring the promotion and preservation of the value of this traditional craft in contemporary life.
The recognition of brocade weaving as a national intangible cultural heritage is not only a worthy recognition of the cultural preservation efforts of the Thai ethnic group, but also an opportunity to develop community tourism, create livelihoods and enhance the status of indigenous culture in the context of integration.
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