Using lime powder and tree bark to dye fabric, the O Du people in Nghe An maintain a unique tradition.
(Baonghean.vn) - The O Du are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Vietnam, currently living in Tuong Duong district, Nghe An. Besides some traditional customs that are at risk of disappearing, the tradition of weaving, dyeing fabric and sewing typical costumes is still being preserved. Notably, in the stage of dyeing fabric, the O Du people still follow a unique manual method.
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| Ms. Lo Thi Nga (born in 1972), in Vang Mon village, Nga My commune, Tuong Duong district, is one of the few people who still know how to dye and sew ethnic costumes of the O Du people. She said: "To have a pot of dyeing water, I have to go deep into the forest to collect tree barks, bring them back to boil in the pot and add a little lime powder. Just boil until the water turns color, then put the fabric in to dye." Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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| When the water has color (the thicker the color, the better), add the fabric to dye. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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Ms. Nga adds the fabric while stirring well, then takes the pot down and soaks it for about 2-3 hours to let the fabric absorb the color. Although the steps of dyeing fabric are not too difficult, but with the development of society, many industrial products are sold, so few O Du people today learn the "secret" of dyeing fabric. Currently, in the village, besides Ms. Nga, there are only 1-2 people who know the dyeing formula and know how to sew O Du ethnic costumes. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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After checking that the fabric color is satisfactory, it will be dried in the sun. Because the dyeing is done manually, using only leaves and lime powder, the color on the fabric is also very rustic. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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Like other ethnic groups, the O Du people dye fabrics mainly to make clothes, and rarely use this dyed fabric in other activities. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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Along with the development of society, like other ethnic groups, the O Du ethnic group has also changed the habit of wearing traditional costumes, instead wearing popular costumes, which are conveniently sold in many stores. However, in recent years, thanks to the attention of all levels and sectors, the restoration of the cultural features of the O Du ethnic group, including costumes. Thanks to that, people have become more aware of preserving the precious cultural features of their ethnic group. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
