Chau Phong Cham Village preserves brocade weaving craft

Although the brocade weaving profession of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune (Tan Chau town, An Giang province) is no longer prosperous, it is still preserved and developed by people who are devoted to traditional values.

In recent years, An Giang province has synchronously and effectively implemented ethnic programs and policies associated with the implementation of the National Target Program on New Rural Development. Thanks to that, the lives of Cham ethnic people have gradually overcome difficulties, strived to become rich legitimately, contributing to the development of Cham hamlets and villages.

Traditional brocade weaving artisans in Chau Giang hamlet, Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau town, An Giang province. (Photo: Phuong Nghi)

Cham people in Chau Phong commune (Tan Chau town, An Giang province) live concentrated in 3 hamlets Phum Xoai, Chau Giang and Hoa Long with over 4,500 people, 100% of whom follow Islam.

Coming to the Cham villages of Chau Phong today, it is easy to see that many new constructions have sprung up, the whole commune seems to be wearing a new coat. Along the Cham hamlets, many new spacious houses have been built, the roads are all concreted, creating favorable conditions for trading goods and daily life. From the implementation of programs, projects, and ethnic policies of the State, especially the implementation of the New Rural Development Program, it has created "boost", making clear changes in each Cham village of Chau Phong. Sharing with reporters, Mr. Mohamah Sa Leh, Head of Phum Xoai Hamlet (Chau Phong Commune) said: "Now, Phum Xoai Cham village has no more poor households, 100% of children go to school from kindergarten to high school. At the university level, Phum Xoai alone has 44 students, some of whom are studying for a master's degree... People now not only have enough to eat and save, but also invest in knowledge for the younger generation to escape poverty and develop long-term and sustainably. All of this has created a new look for the Cham community in this model village". For the Cham people in Tan Chau, brocade weaving is a long-standing traditional craft, playing an important role in preserving the unique cultural beauty. The Cham people brought their ethnic weaving craft to Tan Chau to live, they consider the craft as a valuable asset. Mr. Mohamah Sa Leh added: Previously, brocade weaving products, sarongs, scarves, shirts, and traditional handicrafts mainly served the Cham community, but now they have become commodities, serving tourism, and are popular with tourists. Although not as prosperous as in previous years, the brocade weaving profession of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune is still preserved and developed by those who are passionate about traditional values. A typical example is Mr. Mohamad in Phum Soai hamlet, owner of Mohamach brocade weaving facility, who has been involved in brocade weaving for nearly 50 years and has brought traditional brocade weaving products of the Cham people far and wide. Mr. Mohamad said: “My family has been involved in brocade weaving for three generations. To weave a brocade product, it takes many stages. The cotton fibers must be dyed, then dried, followed by the bobbin, threading, weaving, and finishing stages... Each stage requires the craftsman's skill and meticulousness and takes a lot of time and effort to produce quality products." Currently, thanks to modern technology, brocade production is more convenient and faster. Mr. Mohamad still maintains the traditional weaving profession as a way to preserve the cultural values ​​of the Cham people, even though the products are more expensive than using machines.

Mr. Mohamad in Phum Soai hamlet (Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau town) introduces Chau Giang brocade weaving products to tourists. (Photo: Phuong Nghi)

In 2000, Mr. Mohamad established a traditional brocade weaving facility in Chau Phong Cham village, mobilizing workers to work on-site or at people's homes. The finished products are displayed, sold at the facility and exported. In addition to the two traditional products of sarongs and scarves, the facility also produces new items, such as handbags, backpacks, hats, keychains, etc. According to Mr. Mohamad, "these are items that are popular with tourists, especially those who wish to buy them as souvenirs during each trip to visit the craft village. The prices of these products are quite affordable, from 20,000 - 200,000 VND/product. In addition, maintaining and developing the brocade weaving profession, the facility also creates jobs for more than 10 local workers, with an income of 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day". Ms. Vo Thuy Y Nhu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Chau Phong commune, said: "In recent years, the traditional brocade weaving profession of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune has become a familiar destination for tourists from all over the world. To enhance the experience, Mr. Mohamad restored the wedding room in the traditional style of the Cham people for tourists, especially especially couples taking souvenir photos. In addition, when welcoming visitors, in addition to introducing products, Mr. Mohamad also introduced the history of the craft village, the unique cultural values, and the life of the Cham ethnic community in An Giang to tourists. This innovation and creativity has contributed to attracting more and more tourists to the craft village.

On March 6, 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 480/QD-BVHTTDL on the announcement of the list of national intangible cultural heritages, accordingly, the brocade weaving craft of the Cham people in Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau town, An Giang province was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. This is an honor and pride in the Cham community in An Giang.

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