Weaving bamboo baskets not only brings income to the elderly who follow the profession, but also contributes to preserving a long-standing traditional craft in Thanh Chuong.
Fishing nets are woven from bamboo, rattan, plastic... used to catch fish in ponds, fields or along rivers and streams. Fishing nets not only help people catch fish to improve their meals, but are also a hobby for many people. The craft of weaving fishing nets in Thanh Chuong has existed for a long time. Currently, those who are still involved in this craft are all elderly. Photo: Huy Thu To weave a fishing net, one must go through many stages: Splitting bamboo, rattan, whittling teeth, whittling rattan, bending the rim, braiding the head, braiding the feet, making the rim, and making the handle... Depending on the type of fishing net (soi fishing net, medium fishing net, large fishing net), one must cut bamboo, split bamboo, and whittle teeth accordingly. Mr. Tran Dinh Mao (75 years old) in Dinh Son hamlet, Dong Van commune said: "My father used to weave fishing nets, so I learned how to weave when I was 10 years old. After retiring, I also did this job. Both brothers do the same job as their father." Photo: Huy Thu According to those in the profession, each set of teeth usually has 60 - 80 teeth, including 4 - 6 main teeth. These are larger than normal teeth, the inside and upper half have 2 grooves carved to hold the 2 rims of the basket. The basket has many main teeth, although it is difficult to twist the rim, it is very sturdy. The craftsman starts weaving the basket by braiding the head of the basket and then the foot of the basket... Photo: Huy ThuDuring their work, the craftsmen in Thanh Chuong have made many improvements and created a number of tools... applied to production to weave fishing nets faster and with better quality. Photo: Huy ThuMr. Tran Dinh Hoa (64 years old) in Dinh Son hamlet, Dong Van commune shared: He has been doing this job for more than 40 years. Having gone through many difficult times, his family still sticks to and maintains the fishing net weaving profession until today. Each year, the couple weaves 300 to 350 fishing nets. The products are not brought to the market, but traders often come to the house to buy them. Photo: Huy Thu Mr. Le Van Han (72 years old) in Hamlet 6, Thanh Luong Commune said: He has been involved in the profession of weaving fishing nets for many years. As a retired cadre, he came to this profession with passion. He has devoted most of the upper floor of his 2-storey house to storing raw materials, making fishing nets, and drying fishing nets. Photo: Huy Thu On sunny days, Mr. Han’s roof is full of fishing nets. He makes many types of fishing nets, in sizes according to customers’ requests. His fishing nets are made from only two main materials: bamboo and rattan, and do not use plastic. Photo: Huy Thu To make standard fishing nets, according to fishing net weavers, one must first choose old bamboo, cut it at the right length, sharpen the teeth evenly, bend the rim, weave and braid properly. When the fishing net is completed, it must be beautiful, with round legs and mouth, curved back, and sturdy, ensuring the fishing net is good and durable. Photo: Huy Thu Talking about the craft of weaving bamboo baskets, Mr. Le Van Han shared: “I love weaving bamboo baskets so I learned it myself. Many days, I wake up at around 4am to weave bamboo baskets. I pay attention to the quality of the product, so I choose the materials, process them carefully before weaving, and make sure each piece is sturdy. Doing this job in my old age is both fun and provides extra income." Photo: Huy ThuThanh Chuong bamboo nets are of good quality and are popular with consumers in and outside the province. At this time, almost all the net weavers cannot keep up with orders. The price of nets depends on the type of net, ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND/net, the "huge" nets cost from 800,000 to 1 million VND. Photo: Huy ThuIn addition to being sold at traditional markets and imported for transport by traders to other places, Thanh Chuong people's fishing nets are also advertised on social networks. The fishing net weaving profession of the elderly not only brings income to the family, but also contributes to preserving a traditional, long-standing craft. Photo: Huy Thu Mr. Le Van Han is famous for weaving bamboo baskets in Thanh Luong commune (Thanh Chuong). Video: Huy Thu
