Muong E preserves cultural identity of ethnic groups

Located by the legendary Pha Din Pass, Muong E commune is home to the diverse cultural identities of four ethnic groups: Thai, Kho Mu, Khang, and Mong. This diversity creates a colourful cultural tapestry, which has become a resource for the locality to promote preservation linked to sustainable tourism development.

Local people play ‘con’ (cloth ball) throwing.

Preserving cultural traditions in Muong E faces many challenges, such as the impact of cultural exchange and the development of industrial products, which have somewhat changed the perception of a segment of the population, especially the youth, regarding traditional crafts. Therefore, preserving cultural traditions is identified by the commune Party Committee and authorities as a long-term task, aiming to create endogenous driving forces in the socio-economic development of the locality.

Muong E commune recreates excerpts of traditional ‘Xen Ban’ Festival.

Lo Anh Vien, Vice Chairman of the communal People's Committee, said that the commune has effectively preserved the distinctive traditional cultural features of the ethnic groups. Traditional festivals such as ‘Xen Ban’, ‘Xen Muong’, and the crop praying festival are being restored and preserved by local authorities in coordination with specialised agencies. In addition, other traditional features such as the crafting of Mong panpipe and folk songs of the ethnic groups have also been received due attention. Furthermore, the development of homestays and the organisation of cultural experience activities, such as participating in festivals, learning brocade weaving, and enjoying traditional cuisine, contribute to promoting and preserving cultural traditions.

Artisans from Ai Khom hamlet, Muong E commune, demonstrate the stages of crafting Mong panpipe.

The traditional rattan and bamboo weaving craft of the Thai ethnic group in Lua hamlet has been preserved for generations. To conserve and create a foundation for developing rattan and bamboo weaving experiential tourism in the locality, the Rattan and Bamboo Weaving Cooperative was established in 2022 with 15 members. The products made by the cooperative sell for between 80,000 and 120,000 VND per item, creating an additional income of 3-5 million VND (114-190 USD) per month for the locals.

The traditional craft of rattan and bamboo weaving is passed down through generations in Lua hamlet, Muong E commune.

 

Lo Van Hoan, Secretary of the Party cell and head of Lua hamlet, shared that most of the artisans in the hamlet are elderly, so the Party cell and the management board of the hamlet are encouraging them to teach the craft to young people and students to preserve the traditional craft. The commune is developing a project to establish a traditional craft village in Lua hamlet, thereby contributing to preserving the traditional craft and attracting more tourists.

Quang Van Vu, Secretary of the Party cell and head of Chieng Ve hamlet, said that the production of brocade items and the sewing of traditional ethnic costumes are maintained and passed down by local people to the younger generation. In addition, the hamlet encourages its performing arts groups to regularly practice traditional folk dances and songs, spreading the beauty of ethnic cultures within the community.

A demonstration of rattan and bamboo weaving by artisans from Lua hamlet, Muong E commune.

Schools in Muong E commune have also integrated the preservation of traditional cultural values into extracurricular programmes. This helps students access knowledge and develop an awareness of preserving the local cultural identity. In particular, the communal People's Committee is developing a project to promote cultural tourism linked to the preservation and development of traditional products, contributing to increasing income and expanding the market for traditional handicrafts from the rattan and bamboo weaving craft through tourism activities.

 Persistently pursuing the goal of heritage preservation linked to livelihoods, Muong E commune is gradually transforming its diverse cultural treasure into a driving force for socio-economic development. This approach not only creates a unique tourist landscape along the legendary Pha Din route but also affirms the vitality of traditional culture, ensuring that the valuable legacy of previous generations remains a source of pride and a foundation for the future.

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