“Reviving” the Dong Lai Brocade Weaving Craft Village

Once facing the risk of fading away, the Dong Lai brocade weaving craft, now in Doan Ket Village, Tan Lac Commune, is gradually “reviving” thanks to community cooperation, the role of the Dong Lai Traditional Brocade Weaving and General Services Cooperative, and the support of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) program. From looms that once seemed forgotten, the traditional weaving craft is being restored, generating livelihoods for local residents while contributing to preserving and promoting local cultural identity.

Nine years ago, the traditional brocade weaving craft village here was recognized as a traditional craft village, marking the efforts of the Party committee, local authorities, and residents in restoring, preserving, and promoting the value of cultural heritage.

Having not yet established a centralized raw material area, families in Doan Ket Village grow mulberry trees on riverbanks and home gardens.

Muong women are the main custodians keeping the intricate secrets of traditional brocade weaving.

Nong (bamboo trays) of silkworms are cared for and fed mulberry leaves by cooperative member households, waiting for the day to climb onto the ne (bamboo frames) to spin silk and form cocoons.

Despite many hardships, Muong women in Doan Ket Village persistently carry out the manual weaving process to preserve their ethnic cultural identity.

After the warping process, craft keepers diligently wind silk for many hours.

Mothers and grandmothers remain deeply devoted to preserving indigenous knowledge, actively passing down the craft village’s cultural values to younger generations.

Among them, artisan Bui Thi Mia plays a pivotal role in the development of the traditional craft village.

Along with the process of restoration and development, the looms here have been awakened, becoming an important livelihood for the local people.

Craftspeople cherish and carefully comb every single silk thread.

The traditional weaving craft has rendered the waistband of Muong women’s skirts even more brilliant.

Exquisite products retaining natural beauty from the traditional brocade weaving craft village here win over customers who love culture, young people who favor unique fashion, and tourists.

Bui Minh