Preserving the Traditional Brocade Weaving of the Mong Ethnic Group

In line with the orientation toward tourism-based economic development, the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Mong ethnic group in Pa Co Commune is being preserved and promoted. It has become a distinctive feature of local culture, contributing to the livelihoods of ethnic minority communities.

Visitors can experience the art of brocade weaving performed by Mong women in Pa Co.

Since 2018, community-based tourism models have been expanded in several hamlets, and Pa Co has become an attractive destination. In addition to its natural scenery, experiential tourism products, including traditional brocade weaving have captured great interest from visitors.

As a result, the craft has been revived and its products have become increasingly diverse, serving not only as traditional clothing items, such as skirts, scarves, and hats for daily use, but also meeting tourists’ demand for souvenirs and gifts.

The flax cultivation season in Pa Co comes around March and April each year, with the harvest period falling between July and August. Local people dry the flax in the sun, then strip it into fibers. The fibers are pounded to soften, spun into threads, rolled into small bundles, and washed. Next, they are boiled to make the fibers softer and whiter, then sun-dried again.

After the fabric is woven, the women use a heated copper pen to draw designs with beeswax. Once the patterns are completed, the beeswax-coated fabric is dyed with indigo until it turns a deep shade. When the cloth is dipped in boiling water, the beeswax melts away, leaving behind delicate sky-blue motifs. The final stage is embroidery - Mong decorative patterns typically feature geometric motifs such as squares, rhombuses, and rectangles. As all steps are made by hand, the process is time-consuming and requires great patience and skill.

Through tourism activities, these handcrafted products have gained more attention. Several enterprises have come to explore, introduce, and connect the products to visitors. Within the commune, weaving groups have been established, gathering women artisans to work together.

Pa Co Commune has now formed one traditional brocade weaving village and several weaving groups, along with display and souvenir shops operated by local artisans - all of whose products are 100% handwoven.

These craft villages and groups have also actively promoted their products by introducing them to local tourism service providers, while promoting and expanding the image of Mong brocade weaving to a wider audience.

Bui Minh