Nghe An Tho people restore Sen Village hammock

The heart of the Turkish people

Nearly 3 months ago, the sisters at the Production Cooperative GroupGiai Xuan hammockplan to restore the hammock associated with Uncle Ho's childhood. Although hammock weaving is a traditional profession of the people, and everyone has 30-40 years of experience, but to restore the old hammock, especially the hammock of Uncle Ho's family, everyone is worried and anxious.

After receiving the photo of the old hammock sent back from the Kim Lien National Special Relic Site, the biggest difference that the women and mothers saw was the material, because one side was made from jute, the other side was made from hemp.

"Giai Xuan hemp hammocks are woven from hemp fibers grown by local people, ensuring care, harvesting, and fiber collection. After that, the hemp fibers are dried in the sun and carefully preserved, so they are strong and durable. If finished and carefully preserved, they can be used for 25-30 years. Meanwhile, jute fibers are harder and uneven. Therefore, making hammocks from hemp will be easier and more beautiful," said Ms. Truong Thi Thanh, a member of the cooperative.

However, despite meticulous efforts to restore, the first hammock donated to the Kim Lien National Special Relic Site was not approved because it was not close to the original, especially at the head of the hammock: Uncle Ho's family's hammock was wrapped in circles, while the head of the Tho people's hammock was woven quite elaborately. Undaunted, the women of the Giai Xuan Hemp Hammock Production Cooperative continued to research more carefully, weaving another hammock similar to the hammock on display in Uncle Ho's maternal hometown.

On the day of presenting the relics to the Kim Lien National Special Relic Site, all the women in the cooperative were present. Everyone was moved and happy because the wish of the Tho people had been fulfilled.

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We were all moved and touched to have contributed a small part in the restoration of the artifact. To weave this hammock, we were very careful in every step, from choosing the materials to weaving and paying attention to every detail. The hammock also contains the feelings and passion of the Tho people for beloved Uncle Ho...

Ms. Truong Thi Thong, Head of Giai Xuan hammock production cooperative

The desire to weave hammocks to donate to the Kim Lien National Special Relic Site began to be nurtured many years ago, after Mrs. Nguyen Thi Dem - a Tho person in Long Tho hamlet, Giai Xuan commune, visited Uncle Ho's hometown and cherished the idea of ​​making a hammock similar to the one used by Uncle Ho's family. Before the plan was completed, she passed away.

Before closing her eyes, she told her children and grandchildren to make and donate a hammock to the Kim Lien National Special Relic Site. Five years later, her wish has come true.

Mr. Nguyen Bao Tuan - Director of Kim Lien National Special Relic Site said: When we learned about the intention of the Tho people in Giai Xuan commune, we highly appreciated it and created all conditions for them to fulfill their wishes.

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

Promoting traditional values

Thorn hammocks are a traditional product of the Tho people in Giai Xuan and have 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 has established a Cooperative to produce traditional hemp hammocks. Currently, the cooperative has 30 members participating, all of whom have many years of experience making hemp hammocks.

The hammock of the Tho people has three types of patterns. The most common type is woven according to 3, 4, 5 threads with more sparse hammock eyes for daily use and sale on the market. Besides, there is also the type of cotton ladder weaving which is more elaborate, complicated, the hammock is wider, thicker and more beautiful.

The most complicated technique is the hammock with thicker weaves and many elaborate, complex patterns, requiring a lot of time and effort. Previously, hammocks were only woven for those who passed exams and were carried to the district or province. Ordinary people were not allowed to use this type of hammock. Later, only those with conditions and economic conditions ordered it.

Since the establishment of the cooperative group and participation in the OCOP program, through product promotion channels on e-commerce platforms, Facebook, Zalo and connections of Tan Ky district government, many people have known about Giai Xuan hammocks. The quality requirements are also getting higher and higher.

Instead of weaving hammocks in the traditional way, people have been weaving them according to orders with longer lengths and wider widths. Giai Xuan thorn hammocks have now been ordered by some tourism businesses in Hoi An with each hammock costing from 2.5 to 3 million VND/hammock.

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