(Baonghean.vn) - The Mong people have had a long history of blacksmithing. With their skillful hands, Mong men have created sharp, durable knives and hoes, preserving the traditional craft of their people.
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Farming tools such as hoes, knives, and axes of the Mong people are all elaborately forged, the steel is tempered very well, can cut hard trees, suitable for slash-and-burn farming. |
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During the forging process, heating the iron is very important. If it is not heated enough, the product will be soft and easily warped. If it is heated too much, the knife will be brittle and easily broken. It is especially forged mainly with charcoal to ensure the heat. |
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| The blacksmithing profession is maintained by the Mong people in all villages. Photo by Nguyen Son |
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| One secret to making Mong people's forged products sharp is when tempering the iron. While people in the lowlands temper iron with used oil and salt water, Mong people use salt and banana tree trunks to temper iron and steel. Photo: NS |
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| The blacksmith must heat and grind continuously and evenly during the forging process. |
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to create beautiful, quality and sharp blades. |
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| Mong blacksmiths use buffalo horn to make knife handles to make the knives light, beautiful and durable. |
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The Mong knife is not only a personal tool that Mong men always carry with them, but is also a popular product. |
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Traditional farming tools made by the Mong people. |
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| Many Mong people in Western Nghe An still maintain wooden and chicken feather blowers in their blacksmithing profession. Photo by Nguyen Son |
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Nowadays, products forged by the Mong people are not only used by the Mong community but have become popular items for many people. |
Vuong Van - Lu Phu
