Preserving and Promoting the Traditional Brocade Weaving Craft of the Muong Ethnic Group

From once-silent looms, the Muong women of Com hamlet, Tan Lac commune, Phu Tho Province have “awakened” and revived their traditional brocade weaving craft. Today, the Dong Lai Traditional Brocade Weaving and General Services Cooperative not only provides livelihoods for local people but also stands out as a shining example in the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity.

Artisans are passing down the traditional brocade weaving craft to the younger generation.

There was a time when the rhythmic clatter of looms in Muong Com grew faint. Brocade weaving — a source of pride passed down through generations of the Muong people — was on the verge of disappearing. Troubled by this reality, in 2008, eight middle-aged and elderly artisans in the hamlet voluntarily took the initiative to teach the craft and mobilize villagers to join in preserving the heritage left by their ancestors.

Thanks to their passion and dedication to maintaining ethnic culture, by 2015 these artisans had trained 15 skilled weavers. Since then, the sound of shuttles has once again echoed through the Muong village. The craft was reborn, and in 2017, Com hamlet was officially recognized as a traditional brocade weaving village, receiving support with three sewing machines and 70 weaving looms.

A turning point occurred in early 2023 when the commune decided to revive the traditional brocade weaving craft in its entirety. After thorough preparation, the Dong Lai Traditional Brocade Weaving and General Services Cooperative was officially established in June 2023. Young cadre Bui Van Khoa, born in 1987, was appointed director, responsible for organizing production, promoting, and connecting product consumption. The senior artisans — mainly middle-aged and elderly women — focused on weaving and passing on their skills to younger generations.

The cooperative brought together 54 members. At that time, Muong Com still had 34 functional looms and 3 sewing machines. Though no longer officially designated as a craft village, the craft remained alive. The “flame” of passion for weaving still burned quietly within Muong artisans, waiting for a fresh “breeze” to reignite it.

The brocade fabrics embody the unique cultural identity of the Mường people.

What makes the cooperative special is that 100% of the production process is done by hand, from growing mulberry and cotton, raising silkworms, spinning yarn, to weaving fabric. The cooperative maintains a 10-hectare raw material area, including 5 hectares of cotton and 5 hectares of mulberry for silkworm rearing. Because all steps follow traditional manual methods, productivity per worker is modest, but each product is exquisitely detailed and one of a kind.

To adapt to the market, the cooperative has diversified its product range, including bags, wallets, blankets, pillows, tablecloths, and fabric balls to meet consumer demand. Its products are no longer limited to local fairs or ethnic clothing shops but are now promoted on e-commerce platforms and sold at tourist destinations. The cooperative also actively participates in fairs, exhibitions, and networking programs to expand markets.

With efforts to preserve traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation, in 2025, the cooperative’s brocade products achieved the three-star OCOP provincial certification. Each year, the cooperative supplies over 10,000 products to the market, creating additional employment for Muong women, with an average income of 3 to 4 million VND per month.

Cam Le