Time-taking work, low returns

At 65 years old, Quàng Văn Phích from Nà Tấu 1 hamlet still diligently carves bamboo strips and weaves rattan baskets, sieves, and trays - a routine he has followed for nearly five decades. For him, bamboo weaving isn’t just work; it is a deeply rooted passion and a way to uphold his ancestors’ cultural legacy.

As a child, he shadowed village elders to learn the craft, and by age 10, he could already weave simple items. “Over time, weaving just became a part of me,” he said. In 2010, he joined the Nà Tấu Traditional Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Cooperative as a core member. However, Phích admits that making a living from the craft is difficult. Members earn just over VND 1 million per month, with labor accounting for most of the profit.

A visit to the cooperative revealed the laborious process behind every product. Making a small bamboo basket to hold fish or shrimp takes two days. Selling for about VND 60,000, with material costs around VND 20,000, the net income per item is only 40,000 VND - equating to just VND 20,000 per day. Larger items like woven trays can take up to 10 days to finish and fetch about VND 1.5 million, a price that has not changed in nearly a decade.

Despite the meticulous craftsmanship involved, Nà Tấu’s products remain largely unchanged in design and struggle to compete with modern, mass-produced alternatives. The main buyers are occasional tourists and local retail customers, leaving the cooperative with limited options for expanding its market.

No one to take torch

Preserving the craft is one thing; passing it on is even harder. While weaving was once a common sight in hamlets like Nà Tấu 1 and 2, only a handful of households continue the practice today.

“I am 85 now, and in our village, only the elderly are still weaving,” said Lò Văn Inh of Nà Tấu 1. “The younger generation either doesn’t care or doesn’t see it as a viable livelihood. Even my own children and grandchildren know how to weave but refuse to do it. They’d rather find higher-paying jobs, even if it means leaving the village.”

The cooperative reflects this reality. At its founding, it had 25 members; now only 20 remain, all of whom are middle-aged or elderly. “Our oldest member is 85, and the youngest is 55,” said Lò Văn Cương, head of the cooperative. “The elders are gradually passing on, and we do not have younger people to replace them.”

With fewer skilled weavers and little youth interest, the continuity of the craft is under threat, a painful reality for those who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving it.

Tradition hanging by a thread

In October 2022, the provincial government recognized the weaving craft of Nà Tấu 1 hamlet as a “traditional village craft.” In March 2023, locals received the official certificate acknowledging its cultural significance. Cooperative members are regularly offered training and their products are often showcased at trade fairs within and beyond Điện Biên province.

However, despite these efforts, the craft’s future remains uncertain. Challenges range from a shrinking workforce and unstable market demand to outdated designs, limited investment, and a dwindling supply of raw materials. An earlier initiative to cultivate more than 10 hectares of rattan with help from the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment failed due to poor soil conditions and climate incompatibility. Today, artisans have to buy raw materials from other districts like Mường Ảng, Mường Chà, and Điện Biên.

Although the Nà Tấu weaving craft still survives, it is slowly shrinking. To ensure its future, locals must adopt new techniques, explore updated designs, and rethink their production methods. Government support will also be crucial, not just in funding or training, but in integrating the craft into tourism to provide stable income and create a broader appreciation for traditional artisanship.

Bamboo and rattan weaving in Nà Tấu carries not just economic value but also cultural heritage. In the digital age, preserving such traditions will require creativity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to keeping history alive.