Nghi Thai people preserve the "soul" of weaving

(Baonghean.vn) -As society develops, the demand for household items such as baskets, trays, sieves, etc. made of bamboo is gradually decreasing, being replaced by plastic and stainless steel items. This reality causes many craft villages to gradually disappear. However, with a passion for the craft, many villages in Nghi Thai commune (Nghi Loc district) still preserve the traditional weaving craft.

Nghi Thai commune currently has nearly 30 households engaged in weaving, mainly concentrated in the two hamlets of Thai Hoa and Thai Tho. The main products are trays, winnowing baskets, baskets, trays, sieves, etc. serving the production and daily life of the people. This is a traditional craft that has been maintained for many generations.

The main materials for weaving are bamboo, rattan and reed. Depending on the type of product, the weaving technique and price are also completely different. For sparse products such as trays, sieves, baskets, etc., it does not require too much effort and meticulousness.

On average, a family can weave 17 to 20 trays a day. Each one is sold for 17,000 VND.

Parts such as the rim and winnowing tray are smoked to create shape and durability. This is also considered the secret to the product's color retention over time.

Many products require aesthetic and durability, requiring the wicker’s skill and meticulousness. The bamboo must be split into small pieces and shaved evenly.

A bundle of raw materials is prepared to be put into knitting.

Mr. Doan Huu Binh said: “I started learning the weaving profession at the age of 7. The average monthly income is from 3 to 4 million VND. Although it is only a side job, it creates a stable job and at the same time contributes to preserving the traditional craft of our ancestors so that it does not disappear.”

The knitting process requires meticulousness and manual dexterity.

Each product seems to bear the mark of the artisan. It is thanks to the sophistication and durability of the products that the people of Thai Hoa and Thai Tho have maintained the weaving profession until today.

This job is also a joy for many farmers in their spare time.

Wicker products of Nghi Thai commune people are widely sold in all markets in the province... Each product costs from 17,000 to 20,000 VND, while fine art products that require sophistication have higher prices, from 150,000 to 200,000 VND.

Wang Yun