Brocade fabrics with vibrant colors and unique handcrafted patterns are still cherished and preserved by Ca Dong and Xơ Đăng women through many generations. More than just everyday items, the brocades here carry stories of culture, community memories, and the identity of the Central Highlands.
A Place Preserving the Traditional Weaving Craft of the Highlands
In Trà Leng – where the Ca Dong, Xơ Đăng, and Mơ Nông ethnic groups make up nearly 98% of the population – brocade weaving has long been intertwined with the lives of local women. From a young age, many were taught by their mothers and grandmothers how to spin yarn, combine colors, and create patterns on traditional handlooms. Each piece of fabric created has its own unique character with motifs inspired by mountains, rivers, and community life.
For the people here, brocade is not merely clothing but also a way to preserve their ethnic cultural identity. The festival honoring the traditional weaving craft is organized as an opportunity for artisans to introduce their hand-weaving techniques, engage in cultural exchange, and spread the value of the traditional craft to younger generations and tourists alike.
Preserving Values That Are Gradually Fading
According to the village elders in Trà Leng, along with gongs and folk dances, brocade weaving is one of the “living heritages” that needs to be preserved in the face of modern life changes. For many years, the locality has maintained community cultural exchange activities to help young people better understand their ethnic traditions. Many elderly artisans still diligently teach weaving to their descendants, hoping that the looms in the great mountains will not be forgotten over time.
“Before, almost every woman in the village knew how to weave. Now life has changed a lot, so we must preserve the craft so that our children and grandchildren will remember our ethnic culture,” an artisan shared.
Connecting Culture with Community Tourism
Parallel to conservation efforts, Trà Leng is currently aiming to develop community tourism associated with indigenous cultural experiences. Handcrafted brocade products are expected to become characteristic products serving tourists and contributing to creating additional livelihoods for the mountain people.
According to the Trà Leng Commune People's Committee, the locality is coordinating with cultural units and related organizations to build a sustainable weaving craft preservation program, while connecting handicraft products with the tourism market and cultural promotion activities.
