Society

The secret to making white and tough paper of the Mong people in Nghe An

Dao Tho • October 16, 2024 10:10

The Hmong community in Nghe An has many unique traditional crafts, including papermaking. The secrets in the process of making white and durable paper have created a distinct cultural identity for this community.

bna_1(1).jpg — The Mong people live in the high mountains and cold climates of the districts of Tuong Duong, Ky Son and Que Phong. During their daily life and work, the Mong people have created many unique products such as knives, hoes, skirts, shirts and even white, tough paper for daily use. Photo: Dao Tho

bna_2(1).jpg — Every year, around September to October, when the bamboo shoots in the forest begin to age, the Mong people cut them down, split them into thin pieces, and then cook them thoroughly. Mrs. Ha Y May in Huoi Giang 3 village, Tay Son commune, Ky Son district shared: "When cooking, you have to mix in a layer of ash on top of the pot and boil for 2-3 hours until the bamboo fibers soften." Photo: Dao Tho

bna_3(1)-cb07478501e9855e8dacb6b9b50bd64f.jpg — The rice is cooked thoroughly, then covered for 3-4 days, then crushed and squeezed to get the juice. Photo: Dao Tho

bna_4(1)-4b7445cfef034a6eef89f0e5b18c0d8f.jpg — The canvas frames were prepared and watered to create adhesion for the water from the giang plant. The Mong people used a large ladle to scoop the giang water and spread it evenly on the canvas like making rice paper. Photo: Dao Tho

bna_5(1)-6ae5a5126b8caafa27531dd30e35d087.jpg — “The most important thing is to spread the water evenly and thinly on the surface. If it is not even and thin, the paper will have some hard and some soft places, some thin and some thick places, taking a long time to dry, and when folded, it will be easily damaged,” said Ms. Ha Y May. Photo: Dao Tho

bna_6(1).jpg — After being coated, the paper is dried for about 2-3 hours. Photo: Dao Tho

bna_7(1).jpg — Mrs. Lau Y My in Huoi Giang 3 village, Tay Son commune "revealed": "The reason why Mong people can make paper that is both white and tough is because Mong people know how to choose giang trees in the right season, not too young or too old. The process of making must also be very careful and skillful, dried in enough sunlight and preserved to avoid rain and fog." Photo: Dao Tho

bna_8(1).jpg — The dried papers were skillfully peeled off the canvas by Mrs. Lau Y My and stored in the house for use on important occasions. Photo: Dao Tho

bna_9(1)-bbe4902d81e3a5be5690602e37a3eb61.jpg — The Mong people's handmade paper is used on New Year's Eve and other important holidays by sticking it on the altar or other household items to pray for luck and peace. This is one of the unique cultural features of the Mong community in the Western Nghe An region. Photo: Dao Tho

The secret of making paper of the Mong people in Nghe An. Clip: Dao Tho

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