The indigenous people of Nghe An are restoring the traditional hammock of Lang Sen village.

The kindness of the Tho people

Nearly three months ago, the women at the Production CooperativeGiai Xuan hemp hammockThey planned to restore the hammock associated with President Ho Chi Minh's childhood. Although hammock weaving is a traditional craft of the local people, with many having 30-40 years of experience, everyone was worried and anxious about restoring the old hammock, especially the hammock of President Ho Chi Minh's family.

After receiving a photo of the old hammock from the Kim Lien National Special Historical Site, the biggest difference the women noticed was the material: one was made from jute fiber, and the other from hemp fiber.

"Giai Xuan hemp hammocks are woven from the fibers of hemp plants grown by local people, ensuring quality from cultivation to harvesting. The hemp fibers are then sun-dried and carefully preserved, resulting in a strong and durable hammock. If made and stored properly, they can last for 25-30 years. Meanwhile, jute fibers are stiffer and uneven. Therefore, making hammocks from hemp is easier and more aesthetically pleasing," shared Ms. Truong Thi Thanh, a member of the cooperative.

However, despite meticulous efforts to reconstruct it, the first hammock donated to the Kim Lien National Special Historical Site was not approved because it did not closely resemble the original, especially at the head of the hammock: Uncle Ho's family hammock was wrapped in circles, while the head of the Tho people's hammock was quite elaborately braided. Undeterred, the women of the Giai Xuan Hammock Production Cooperative continued their research and wove another hammock similar to the artifact on display at Uncle Ho's maternal hometown.

On the day the artifacts were presented to the Kim Lien National Special Historical Site, all the women in the cooperative were present. Everyone was moved and happy because the aspirations of the Tho people had been fulfilled.

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My sisters and I were all deeply moved and touched to have contributed a small part to the restoration of this artifact. To weave this hammock, we were very careful in every step, from selecting the materials to the weaving process, paying meticulous attention to every detail. This hammock also embodies the affection and dedication of the Tho ethnic people to our beloved President Ho Chi Minh...

Ms. Truong Thi Thong, Head of Giai Xuan Hammock Production Cooperative

The aspiration to weave hammocks as a gift to the Kim Lien National Special Historical Site began many years ago, after Mrs. Nguyen Thi Dem, a Tho ethnic woman from Long Tho hamlet, Giai Xuan commune, visited President Ho Chi Minh's birthplace and cherished the dream of making a hammock similar to the one used by President Ho Chi Minh's family. She passed away before her plan could be realized.

Before she passed away, she instructed her children and grandchildren to make and donate a hammock to the Kim Lien National Special Historical Site. Five years later, her wish was fulfilled.

Mr. Nguyen Bao Tuan, Director of the Kim Lien Special National Historical Site, said: "Upon learning of the intentions of the Tho ethnic minority people in Giai Xuan commune, we greatly appreciated them and created all the conditions for them to fulfill their wishes."

The restoration of old artifacts in President Ho Chi Minh's hometown is also part of the plan of the Kim Lien Special National Historical Site, and after receiving them, we will carefully preserve them and display and use them at an appropriate time to promote the value of these precious artifacts.

Promoting traditional values

The hemp hammock is a traditional product of the Tho ethnic group in Giai Xuan and has been recognized as a 3-star OCOP product since 2022.

Previously, with the desire to maintain and develop the local traditional craft, since 2021, the Women's Association of Long Tho hamlet, Giai Xuan commune, established a cooperative for the production of traditional hemp hammocks. Currently, the cooperative has 30 members, all of whom have many years of experience in making hemp hammocks.

The Turkish people's hemp hammocks come in three types of patterns. The most common type is woven with 3, 4, or 5 strands of thread, resulting in a looser weave for everyday use and for sale. In addition, there is a more elaborate and complex type of hemp weave, resulting in a wider, thicker, and more beautiful hammock.

The most complex technique is the woven hammock used for carrying officials, with denser weaves and intricate, elaborate patterns, requiring considerable time and effort. Previously, these hammocks were only woven for those who had passed examinations and were carried to the district or provincial capital. Ordinary people were not allowed to use them. Later, only those with financial means could afford to order them.

Since the establishment of the cooperative and participation in the OCOP program, through product promotion channels on e-commerce platforms, Facebook, Zalo, and connections with the Tan Ky district government, many people have become aware of Giai Xuan hemp hammocks. The demands for quality have also become increasingly higher.

Instead of weaving hammocks according to tradition, the villagers now weave them to order, with longer lengths and wider widths. Giai Xuan hemp hammocks are now being ordered by several tourism businesses in Hoi An, with each hammock priced from 2.5 to 3 million VND.

To ensure sustainable development, Giai Xuan commune has planned raw material areas. The cooperative is also aiming to diversify products and create other common and decorative products such as bags, blankets, hats, tablecloths, rugs, etc., to meet the needs and tastes of customers," added Ms. Truong Thi Thong, head of the hammock production cooperative in Giai Xuan commune.