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From the loom to the new rural landscape - a journey of preserving the indigenous culture through hemp hammock fibers.

Xuan Hoang • November 10, 2025 14:21

Amidst the modern pace of life in the countryside, the people of Giai Xuan commune (formerly Tan Ky district) still preserve the traditional craft of weaving hemp hammocks. The skillful hands of the Tho women not only create durable and beautiful products but also contribute to preserving cultural identity and building a sustainable new rural community.

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In Giai Xuan commune, a mountainous area in Nghe An province, Tho ethnic minority women diligently preserve the traditional craft of weaving hemp hammocks. The skillful hands of these Tho women not only create durable and beautiful products but also contribute to preserving their cultural identity and building a sustainable new rural community. (Photo: Xuan Hoang)
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At the Long Tho village cultural center, every day you can see the image of Tho women sitting on the porch, their hands nimbly weaving white hemp fibers into traditional hammocks, which are currently popular in the market. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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Ms. Truong Thi Thong, head of the Giai Xuan hemp hammock weaving cooperative, said: "This craft has existed for a long time. In the past, every household grew hemp plants and used the fibers to weave hammocks. Times have changed, but we still try to preserve it because it's a craft passed down from our ancestors." (Photo: Xuan Hoang)
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To make a durable hemp hammock, the craftsman must go through many elaborate steps. From planting the hemp plants, stripping, combing, spinning the fibers, to weaving and finishing, all require meticulousness and endurance. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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According to Ms. Thong, the cooperative currently has about 30 members who maintain the craft of weaving hemp hammocks, mainly middle-aged and elderly women. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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A complete hemp hammock takes about 5-7 days for 3 people to make. Hemp hammocks have the advantage of being cool in the summer, warm in the cold, and much more sturdy and durable than industrial hammocks. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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Making a hemp hammock is most difficult when finishing the two ends. To ensure the ends are durable, the craftsman must spread the hemp fibers evenly, then weave the tension knots evenly and tighten the cords securely. Otherwise, the ends of the hammock will quickly become loose during use. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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Each hemp hammock sells for between 1.5 and 2.5 million VND. Although not a large sum, what's more important is preserving the traditional craft, and this also serves as a community cultural center for the members of the cooperative. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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After separating the fibers from the ramie plant, they are dried, soaked in water to soften them, and then hand-combed to loosen them. The desired fibers must be white, strong, and uniform. Then, the weavers twist the fibers into coils, place them on wooden frames, and weave them using the traditional mesh pattern. (Photo: Xuan Hoang)
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Currently, the Giai Xuan hammock weaving cooperative has 10 sao (approximately 1,000 square meters) of land planted with hemp (including land belonging to the hamlet, the commune, and cooperative members), which is insufficient to provide the necessary raw materials for the craft. Hemp plants are harvested 45 days after planting, when they reach a height of nearly 2 meters. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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Giai Xuan commune is incorporating the traditional craft of weaving hemp hammocks into its new rural development program, focusing on preservation alongside development. The locality prioritizes creating unique products to serve community tourism, contributing to increased income for residents and preserving the cultural identity of the Tho ethnic group amidst pristine natural surroundings. Photo: Xuan Hoang
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