Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The first weaving network for the traditionalbrocade of ethnic groups in the central and central highlands region has beenlaunched connecting weaving groups and preserving the handicraft trade.
The network, which was supported by theJapanese non-governmental organisation Foundation for InternationalDevelopment/Relief (FIDR) and funded by the Japan International Co-operationAgency (JICA), helped link 17 weaving teams from seven ethnic groups including XoDang, Ba Na, Ta Oi, Co Tu and Ma from five provinces in Quang Nam, ThuaThien-Hue, Da Nang, Kon Tum and Dak Nong since 2001.
FIDR started working with Co Tu weaving group in Zo Ra village of Nam Giang districtin the central province of Quang Nam 18 years ago before building a weaving housein 2004.
It’s also the first weaving co-operative established with 40 members and thegroup’s product had been exported to Australia.
Last year, the village’s product was selected as gift by the provincialPeople’s Committee for diplomats and visitors.
Nobuko Otsuki, FIDR’s representative in Vietnam, said over the past 10 years,she has recognised the beauty and uniqueness of brocade among the ethnicgroups.
She said the project aims to help preserve the trade by recovering productionthrough community-based tourism.
“We tried to introduce the trade and brocade community as new destinations toJapanese travel agencies,” Nobuko said.
“We received many orders from tourism companies in Japan seeking new products.
“Tourists will come to explore the beauty and skills of the traditional brocadeand they would buy the unique products after understanding the value of thehandicraft.”
She suggested the brocade villages should diversify products with more designs.
Sumiko Iguchi, a tourist from Japan, spent five days learning how to weave fromthe Co Tu ethnic group in Hoa Bac commune, Da Nang city.
Although she said she had weaved before in Japan, this style was new to Sumikobecause of the different looms used.
“Here a loom is portable and easy. Craftsmen can carry loom to weave brocadeeverywhere. Co Tu community in Hoa Bac commune is so friendly and hospitable. Ifeel at home,” she said.
“I know now how to make brocade with Co Tu material and loom, and I’ll bringhome a loom. Many Japanese prefer to know more about traditional weaving.”
Some community-based tourism destinations were built at Ta Bhing commune; BhoHoong and Dhroong villages, Ta Lu commune in Quang Nam province; Ta Lang villagein Da Nang city in boosting the brocade trade.
Products include scarves, mattress covers, wallets, table cloths and bags withunique patterns and natural dyes.
Brocade weaving has been revived through tourism promotion among ethnic groupsof Co Tu in Da Nang; A Dot village in Thua Thien-Hue, A Ting, La Ee and Cho Chunin Quang Nam; Dak Ro Wa in Dak Nong with more than 300 weavers.
In 2017, Co Tu community in Zo Ra village earned more than 40,000 USD fromtourism including sales of brocade and hand-made products./.
The network, which was supported by theJapanese non-governmental organisation Foundation for InternationalDevelopment/Relief (FIDR) and funded by the Japan International Co-operationAgency (JICA), helped link 17 weaving teams from seven ethnic groups including XoDang, Ba Na, Ta Oi, Co Tu and Ma from five provinces in Quang Nam, ThuaThien-Hue, Da Nang, Kon Tum and Dak Nong since 2001.
FIDR started working with Co Tu weaving group in Zo Ra village of Nam Giang districtin the central province of Quang Nam 18 years ago before building a weaving housein 2004.
It’s also the first weaving co-operative established with 40 members and thegroup’s product had been exported to Australia.
Last year, the village’s product was selected as gift by the provincialPeople’s Committee for diplomats and visitors.
Nobuko Otsuki, FIDR’s representative in Vietnam, said over the past 10 years,she has recognised the beauty and uniqueness of brocade among the ethnicgroups.
She said the project aims to help preserve the trade by recovering productionthrough community-based tourism.
“We tried to introduce the trade and brocade community as new destinations toJapanese travel agencies,” Nobuko said.
“We received many orders from tourism companies in Japan seeking new products.
“Tourists will come to explore the beauty and skills of the traditional brocadeand they would buy the unique products after understanding the value of thehandicraft.”
She suggested the brocade villages should diversify products with more designs.
Sumiko Iguchi, a tourist from Japan, spent five days learning how to weave fromthe Co Tu ethnic group in Hoa Bac commune, Da Nang city.
Although she said she had weaved before in Japan, this style was new to Sumikobecause of the different looms used.
“Here a loom is portable and easy. Craftsmen can carry loom to weave brocadeeverywhere. Co Tu community in Hoa Bac commune is so friendly and hospitable. Ifeel at home,” she said.
“I know now how to make brocade with Co Tu material and loom, and I’ll bringhome a loom. Many Japanese prefer to know more about traditional weaving.”
Some community-based tourism destinations were built at Ta Bhing commune; BhoHoong and Dhroong villages, Ta Lu commune in Quang Nam province; Ta Lang villagein Da Nang city in boosting the brocade trade.
Products include scarves, mattress covers, wallets, table cloths and bags withunique patterns and natural dyes.
Brocade weaving has been revived through tourism promotion among ethnic groupsof Co Tu in Da Nang; A Dot village in Thua Thien-Hue, A Ting, La Ee and Cho Chunin Quang Nam; Dak Ro Wa in Dak Nong with more than 300 weavers.
In 2017, Co Tu community in Zo Ra village earned more than 40,000 USD fromtourism including sales of brocade and hand-made products./.
VNA