Preserving rhythmic sound of shuttles

ĐBP - In the hustle and bustle of modern life, traditional brocade weaving is at risk of extinction. However, thanks to efforts to pass down this craft, the rhythmic sound of shuttles still resonates in homes of ethnic minority group in Điện Biên Province, driven by skillful hands of local women.

Villages echoe with shuttles

After a long harworking day in rice paddy field, Mrs. Quàng Thị Hương from Pá Khoang Commune (Điện Biên Phủ City) changes out of her sweat-soaked work clothes and hurriedly prepares lunch for her family. Once her family takes an afternoon nap, she continues weaving an unfinished fabric.

Mrs. Hương shared that weaving is when she feels the happiest and most relaxed. It allows her to set aside the busyness and worries of life, fully immersing herself in her passion and creativity to craft the most beautiful brocade fabrics. The weaving tools and shuttles she uses have been passed down from her grandmother and mother, nearly a hundred years old, yet they remain durable over time.

Many Khơ Mú women continue to maintain the weaving tradition today.

“Although cotton farming for weaving, as practiced by previous generations, has largely disappeared, many Khơ Mú women still preserve the art of embroidery and weaving. Without homegrown cotton, we buy threads. We may not weave regularly, but whenever there is free time, we work on it. During festivals and holidays, we wear traditional costumes, so we must keep the craft alive to serve demands of our families. This is also a way to preserve our cultural identity,” she added.

Unlike some other ethnic minority groups, the Khơ Mú’s weaving tools are made of simple wood. They do by hands without using their feet or sitting at a fixed loom.

Traditional costumes are crafted through skilled hands of Khơ Mú women.

“We don’t have fixed looms,” said Mrs. Quàng Thị Vừ from Tọ Cuông Village, Ẳng Tở Commune, Mường Ảng District. “We weave by tying white threads together and securing them to a convenient spot. The other end is tied to a fabric belt wrapped around the weaver’s waist. The shuttle interlaces colorful threads to create patterns. Each fabric piece is about 20-30 centimeters wide, mainly used to make scarves, sleeves, skirts, or bags.”

In Na Sang 2 Village, Núa Ngam Commune (Điện Biên District), Lào women are striving to preserve weaving tradition by establishing a cooperative with nearly 20 regular members. They support each other in production and work together to find stable markets for their products.

Beyond the cooperative model, many Lào families continue to weave during their downtime from farming. If there is a need to sell the products, the cooperative will purchase them at a guaranteed price. Determined not to let the craft fade, Mrs. Lường Thị Un, over 60 years old, diligently teaches her children and grandchildren every day.

 

“Lào people grow up with the sound of shuttles,” Un said. “We regard weaving as a measure of a woman’s skill and virtue. That is why many generations of Lào women are skilled weavers. For me, weaving is a symbol of love and national pride, so I feel a responsibility to pass it down to my future generations.”

A Lào women in Na Sang 2 Village, Núa Ngam Commune, is diligent at their loom.

Efforts to pass down the craft

Recently, Điện Biên Province has organized various activities to support and honor ethnic minority groups in recognizing the cultural and economic value of brocades. Through different funding sources, the province has opened training courses to teach and pass down the craft to younger generations.

 

In 2024, Điện Biên Province implemented Project No.6 on “Preserving and promoting the sound traditional cultural values of ethnic minority groups in connection with tourism development” under the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic and mountainous areas from 2021 to 2030. The project includes practical and effective activities.

Under this project, the Điện Biên Province’s Museum, in association with district-level cultural and media centers, has conducted various training courses on traditional costume making for ethnic minority groups such as Kháng, Si La, Sán Chay (Sán Chỉ subgroup), and Khơ Mú.

A training course on traditional costume making for Sán Chỉ women in Huổi Thanh Village, Nậm Kè Commune, Mường Nhé District.

Mr. Đặng Trọng Hà, Director of the Điện Biên Province’s Museum, indicated that these training courses help ethnic communities raise their awareness of and responsibility in practicing and passing down the methods, techniques, and processes of making traditional costumes. They also create a generational connection and promote the roles and responsibilities of related units and individuals in preserving the craft. This contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values within local ethnic communities.

Adopting the principle of “Don't give a man a fish, teach him how to fish,” many localities in Điện Biện Province have applied this approach to preserve and promote ethnic minority groups’ costume making crafts. Traditional costume preservation in combination with the new-styled rural area building program equip ethnic minority groups with knowledge and skills to actively develop and preserve their own cultural identities. These activities also contribute to community-based tourism development, providing local income and promoting sustainable socio-economic development.

Sán Chỉ women diligently weave fabric. Photo: Freelancer

Some ethnic minority areas are developing community-based tourism through homestay model. It provides visitors with deeper insights into local customs and practices. Traditional houses are renovated with modern amenities to meet tourists’ lodging demands. In addition to culinary offerings and cultural and artistic products, experiencing traditional crafts, including weaving, is given special priority. Some culturally rich and tourism-potential villages include: Phiêng Lơi, Che Căn, Kéo (Điện Biên Phủ City); Tả Kố Khừ (Mường Nhé District); Nà Sự (Nậm Pồ District); and Na Sang II (Điện Biên District).

In fact, witnessing firsthand the intricate techniques of manual weaving and embroidery, and admiring the simple yet sophisticated patterns crafted by the indigenous people, offers tourists a fascinating experience. Many places also offer traditional costume rentals for photoshoots and souvenirs, generating income for local population while contributing to preserving and popularizing the province’s cultural heritage.

Hải  Yến
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'A step forward in traffic management

    A step forward in traffic management

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Since August 2024, functional agencies have officially put into operation a traffic monitoring and image-based violation handling system (commonly known as “cold fines”) at five key points in Điện Biên Phủ ward. With 19 cameras operating continuously, the system has already brought about positive changes, significantly improving public awareness of traffic laws.
  • 'Several concerns raised about operation of new commune governments

    Several concerns raised about operation of new commune governments

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - More than two months after the launch of the two-tier local government model, commune and ward administrations in Điện Biên province have generally met the needs of citizens and businesses. However, this transitional stage remains challenging, with local governments facing heavy workloads, staffing mismatches, and infrastructure constraints. While the streamlined model promises efficiency and effectiveness, certain concerns remain.
  • 'Emulation spirit powers Điện Biên’s transformation

    Emulation spirit powers Điện Biên’s transformation

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The 6th Patriotic Emulation Congress of Điện Biên province, held from September 17-19, carried the theme: “Solidarity, promoting the heroic Điện Biên Phủ tradition, striving to build a fast and sustainable Điện Biên”. The message was clear: emulation is not just a slogan, it must be action.
  • 'Efforts to search for and identify remains of fallen soldiers

    Efforts to search for and identify remains of fallen soldiers

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Though the wars have long passed, the pain and the void left behind remain present in the families of fallen soldiers. On the historic land of Điện Biên, where the legendary victory once “resounded across five continents and shook the globe”, many graves have yet to be found or identified.
  • 'Điện Biên boosts construction of homes for people in disaster-affected areas

    Điện Biên boosts construction of homes for people in disaster-affected areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - With a spirit of urgency and determination to “overcome sun and rain,” officers and soldiers of the Điện Biên provincial Military Command are devoting their full efforts to the campaign “Thirty Days of Speed - Reaching the Finish Line.” Their commitment to the motto “For the People” is being translated into new homes for disaster-stricken families, giving them safe shelter and peace of mind to rebuild their lives.
  • 'Turning Resolution 71 into reality

    Turning Resolution 71 into reality

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Right after the Politburo issued Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on August 22, 2025, on breakthrough development in education and training, the education sector of Điện Biên province quickly took action with a spirit of initiative and determination. Instead of waiting for detailed guidelines, many schools rolled up their sleeves to transform the spirit of renewal in the Resolution into concrete actions, promising real change from the very start of the new school year.
  • 'Communities join hands to keep Điện Biên clean and green

    Communities join hands to keep Điện Biên clean and green

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, the movement to keep public spaces clean and improve the local landscape has spread widely across Điện Biên province, drawing strong participation from residents. The collective efforts of political and social organizations, together with each household’s sense of responsibility, have brought about clear improvements and contributed to building a cleaner, safer living environment.
  • 'Huổi Nhả develops community-based tourism

    Huổi Nhả develops community-based tourism

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - Each season, the mountain villages present a different beauty, rustic yet poetic. Building and developing community-based tourism by harnessing natural landscapes and indigenous culture has become a path toward sustainable economic growth in many upland villages. Huổi Nhả village, Mường Pồn commune is one such example.
  • 'The People’s Court of Điện Biên province upholds its role in defending justice

    The People’s Court of Điện Biên province upholds its role in defending justice

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In the 80-year history of the People’s Court of Vietnam (September 13, 1945 - September 13, 2025), the People’s Court of Điện Biên province has carved out a proud chapter. Over its 62 years since establishment in 1963, from difficult beginnings, the provincial court has continually striven to overcome challenges, reform its organization, and improve the quality of adjudication, thereby upholding the rule of law, protecting justice, and preserving peace for the people.
  • 'Điện Biên gears up for 15th provincial Party Congress with lively publicity campaigns

    Điện Biên gears up for 15th provincial Party Congress with lively publicity campaigns

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In the run-up to the 15th Party Congress of Điện Biên province, agencies and sectors across the province are intensifying publicity efforts, creating a lively atmosphere of emulation while spreading trust and expectations among Party members and local people. Decoration, ceremonial arrangements, and visual propaganda are being carried out in a coordinated and solemn manner, reflecting high political determination and contributing to the success of the Congress.
  • 'A driving force for protecting special-use forests

    A driving force for protecting special-use forests

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Payment for forest environmental services (PFES) is a sound policy aimed at protecting headwater forests, maintaining ecosystems, and ensuring water resources for hydropower and tourism activities. In recent years, the Management Board of the Mường Nhé Nature Reserve has effectively implemented PFES, providing people with additional income, improving their living standards, and strengthening their commitment to forest protection and development.
  • 'Điện Biên fosters sustainable mineral exploitation

    Điện Biên fosters sustainable mineral exploitation

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - The exploitation of minerals for common construction materials in Điện Biên province still faces many shortcomings and limitations. Some enterprises have not fully complied with regulations on the environment, mine design, and technical infrastructure requirements. In response, functional agencies have promptly urged corrections, requiring enterprises to address violations and gradually complete necessary conditions to ensure legal, safe, and sustainable exploitation.
  • 'Multiplying exemplary models

    Multiplying exemplary models

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Responding to patriotic emulation movements, in recent years many exemplary collectives and individuals have emerged across various fields in Điện Biên province. Their good deeds and effective practices have spread, encouraging agencies, units, localities, organizations, and individuals to learn and follow.