In Hamlet 6, nestled within Long Tan commune, weekends buzz with S’tieng women engaging in the intricate art of weaving, skillfully passing on their priceless knowledge to the younger members. Among these adept artisans, 56-year-old Mrs. Thi Lien shines exemplary, dedicating over four decades to her craft, weaving intricate brocade pieces with skillful hands. Mrs. Thi Lien’s fine-threaded creations not only honor the S’tieng tradition but also infuse a contemporary essence into their fabric.
Thi Lien shared, ‘At 20, I learned the art of brocade weaving from my sisters, my mothers, and my grandmothers before them. Since then, my commitment has been unwavering—to preserve and pass down this craft and ensure the endurance of our ethnic heritage. Brocade, woven into our weddings and festivals, represents the cultural allure of the S’tieng people.’
S’tieng women in Hamlet 6, Long Tan commune, Phu Rieng district weaving to keep the beauty of their heritage alive
For 39-year-old Ms. Thi It, brocade weaving isn’t merely an art form; it embodies spiritual sustenance that she passionately yearns to preserve. Since her formative years, Ms. Thi It has nurtured a deep-seated affinity for brocade, a legacy passed down through generations. She openly expresses apprehension that the traditional art of brocade weaving among her people is slowly fading amidst the whirlwind of modernity. Therefore, she tirelessly contemplates strategies to safeguard and elevate this cultural opulence.
Ms. Thi It highlights the challenges faced in consuming traditional brocade products. “S’tieng brocades are typically reserved for weddings, ceremonies, or festivals. The limited daily use of S’tieng brocade makes it challenging for artisans to sustain their livelihood solely through this craft. I’m determined to keep our tradition alive by learning from our respected elders and enhancing the appeal of our traditional brocade. I strongly encourage women to get involved in weaving again. I hope we can pass the torch onto the young generations and preserve our cultural heritage,” shared Ms. Thi.
For over 40 years dedicated to the weaving frame, Mrs. Thi Lien has crafted numerous exquisite and beautiful brocade products
Efforts from dedicated individuals like Mrs. Lien and Ms. It have sparked a renewed interest in brocade weaving among women in Hamlet 6, Long Tan commune. Currently, over ten women regularly engage in mastering this intricate craft. Mr. Do Nhat Quang, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Long Tan commune, underscores the significance: “Hamlet 6 comprises 290 households, 232 of which are S’tieng. Brocade weaving is an integral part of the S’tieng cultural heritage. While there are challenges in selling traditional weaving products, we actively support skilled weavers in passing on their knowledge, nurturing the enduring beauty of traditional brocade.”
Within Phu Rieng district, home to 20 diverse ethnic groups and 12.6% of its population belonging to ethnic minorities, there’s unwavering support for preserving cultural identity and traditional crafts. This support is evident through continuous encouragement for handicrafts, festivals, traditional attire, dances, gongs, and musical instruments. This concerted effort ignites a passionate spirit among artisans and the younger generation, fostering their commitment to improving their skills and safeguarding the rich cultural heritage.”
Translated by Thien Kim – Minho
Binh Phuoc News – https://en.baobinhphuoc.com.vn/
