Raglai village elders maintain bamboo and rattan weaving in Khanh Son

(Fatherland) - For the Raglai people in Khanh Son district, Khanh Hoa province, weaving rattan and bamboo is not only a way to make a living but also contributes to preserving and promoting unique national cultural values.

Living at the foot of the majestic mountain range, about 1,000 meters above sea level in Khanh Son district, Khanh Hoa province, the Raglai people still preserve the craft of weaving rattan and bamboo with typical products such as Chapi, small and large baskets, mats,...

According to Raglai village elders, these hand-woven products not only serve daily needs but also contain unique cultural features, even the "soul" of the entire ethnic group.

Mr. Mau Xuan Diep, 71 years old, residing in Son Trung commune, after a period of time carving bamboo tubes with his nimble hands, he began to complete the final stage of the Chapi, a musical instrument that has been with Mr. Diep since childhood like many other Raglai people, to sell to tourists.

Village elder Mau Xuan Diep makes Chapi.

Mr. Diep shared that many products have become indispensable offerings in worshiping occasions, weddings, etc. Almost every Raglai person has to learn the craft of weaving, considering the mastery of weaving as a source of pride for themselves and their people.

Chapi is made from a large round bamboo tube about 8 - 10cm in size, two hand spans long, the strings are made from bamboo fibers, the body is perforated,... the sound from the tube is deep, rhythmic and "seems to contain the whole mountain and forest".

In recent years, the traditional handicrafts of the people of Khanh Son district have been very popular with tourists inside and outside the province, helping the people develop their economy. Unlike before, traditional handicrafts made by local people were always around the village.

Khanh Son people make bamboo and rattan products.

In Thanh Son commune, Ms. Cao Thi Tinh, 70 years old, completes the final stage to create a bamboo basket, a familiar carrying tool of the Raglai people. With a focused gaze, Ms. Tinh's hands quickly insert each bamboo strip into another, creating an even and beautiful pattern, ensuring that the basket is not warped, rough and ugly.

The Raglai people's backpacks are usually made of bamboo and rattan, with two straps to wear on the shoulder, convenient for people to go to the forest, go to the fields, go to the market,... very sturdy, can hold dozens of kilograms of rice, corn, and wild bamboo shoots.

Although weaving takes a lot of time and the income is not as good as other jobs, old Diep, old Tinh and many others in Khanh Son are always dedicated and determined to develop the profession to preserve the traditional culture of their people and homeland.

Many young people in the Raglai community, understanding the value and significance of the items created from their ethnic weaving art, still maintain their passion for this craft. The products they create are not only used in the village but have been brought downstream to distant regions.

Khanh Son District is 100km southwest of Nha Trang City, has a cool climate, and is home to 13 ethnic groups, of which over 70% are Raglai people, making the district a place with a rich Raglai culture.

In particular, traditional crafts such as weaving, making traditional musical instruments, making rice wine, etc. are still preserved in the life and activities of the community.

Tourists learn about the handicraft making process of the Raglai people.

According to Mr. Dinh Van Dung, Chairman of Khanh Son District People's Committee, traditional crafts such as weaving, handicrafts, musical instrument making, etc. are important factors in diversifying tourism products to meet the needs of visitors.

In recent years, Khanh Son district has made efforts to restore, preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the Raglai ethnic group, including organizing two weaving classes for local youth.

From now until 2030, the district will continue to strengthen the restoration, preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values ​​of the Raglai ethnic group, specifically such as restoring typical traditional festivals of the Raglai ethnic group; annually organizing musical instrument teaching classes;...

Effectively carry out the work of preserving the intangible cultural heritage of the Raglai ethnic minority, focusing on traditional handicrafts. At the same time, direct local Party committees and authorities at all levels to actively mobilize people to continue to preserve, conserve and promote traditional cultural forms in community activities.

In the process of tourism development, Khanh Son aims to attract 22,000 visitors by 2025, build a model of community tourism village, an agricultural ecological destination, and restore the traditional festival of the Raglai people,... to promote the cultural identity values ​​of ethnic minorities, develop typical agricultural tourism, and soon become an "Eco-urban mountain forest" according to the orientation of Resolution No. 09 of the Politburo on building and developing Khanh Hoa province to 2030, with a vision to 2045./.

Source: https://toquoc.vn/gia-lang-nguoi-raglai-giu-nghe-dan-may-tre-o-khanh-son-20241204133158904.htm