Bamboo and rattan weaving from the highlands of Nghe An province reaches the world.
Duc Anh•March 11, 2025 13:08
Beneath the stilt houses of the people of Diem village (Chau Khe commune, Con Cuong district), the sounds of weaving fill the air. The traditional rattan and bamboo weaving craft, once thought to be dying out, is now experiencing a strong revival, reaching not only within Vietnam but also to Germany, France, Japan, and other countries.
Nestled amidst the majestic mountains, Diem village (Chau Khe commune, Con Cuong district) resembles a peaceful brushstroke on a vast natural landscape. It is home primarily to the Thai and Dan Lai ethnic groups, people deeply connected to the forest and the craft of rattan and bamboo weaving. Photo: Duc AnhSince ancient times, the people of Diem village have utilized bamboo, rattan, and other similar materials to create everyday items such as baskets, sieves, and containers, not only for family needs but also for trade and commerce. However, there were times when the products could not be sold, forcing many to reluctantly abandon the craft and seek other occupations. In the photo: The stilt house where members of the cooperative gather to make rattan and bamboo products. Photo: Duc AnhIn 2016, Ms. Lang Thi Hoa, a dedicated daughter of the village, collaborated with nearly 20 villagers and the local government to establish the Diem Village Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Cooperative. This was a crucial turning point that helped restore and strongly develop the weaving craft of the villagers. To date, the cooperative has about 20 members, specializing in producing items such as bamboo trays, bamboo chairs, baskets, and sieves. These products not only serve the domestic market but are also exported to Germany, France, Japan, and other countries. (Photo: Duc Anh)Inside the stilt house, Mrs. Lang Thi Hoa and other members of the craft village are still working diligently, perfecting products to meet the upcoming shipment to France. Photo: Duc AnhWhile working, she reminisced: "In the past, everyone in the village knew how to weave, and the materials were readily available just by stepping out from behind the mountain. But now, the biggest worry is that the younger generation is no longer interested in the craft." Currently, in the craft village, there are only about 20 people left who still weave, mostly elderly people. Photo: Duc AnhNevertheless, the belief in the enduring nature of the rattan and bamboo weaving craft has never faded. “Preserving the craft is not just about preserving a livelihood, but also about preserving the identity and soul of Diem village. With the joint efforts of the community and the government, I believe that the rattan and bamboo weaving craft of Diem village will remain strong and continue to spread its traditional values far and wide,” Ms. Hoa enthusiastically shared. (Photo: Duc Anh)However, preserving and developing the rattan and bamboo weaving craft still faces many challenges. Handicrafts require a lot of effort but their economic value is not yet truly high, causing many skilled artisans to switch to other jobs. In addition, the market for these products remains unstable, making it difficult to compete with mass-produced industrial goods. (Photo: Duc Anh)Concerned about the survival of the traditional craft village, Ms. Hoa – the head of the Diem village rattan and bamboo weaving cooperative – has brought her products to major trade fairs from Nghe An to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duc AnhEvery year, in addition to the domestic market, Diem village exports hundreds of products abroad. Tables, chairs, and fruit trays made from bamboo and rattan are popular with customers, providing a relatively stable income for the villagers. Photo: Duc Anh
