H Yum Nie, a resident in Tong Ju village in Ea Kao commune, Buon Ma Thuot city, uses her time to weave brocade to earn a living.
Weaving requires meticulousness and persistence, as every single stage is done by hand.
"I keep weaving to preserve Ede traditions and increase my income," said H Yum Nie.
Forty-five Ede ethnic people work at the Tong Bong brocade weaving cooperative in Buon Ma Thuot city, earning an average of 170 USD a month.
The skilled Ede women make a wide range of brocade products, such as clothing, bags, and tablecloths, all featuring traditional ethnic minority patterns and signature colours.
H’Yam Bkrong, a person of great prestige in the locality, set up the cooperative with a view to preserving the traditional culture while developing community-based tourism.
H’Yam Bkrong, director of the Tong Bong brocade weaving cooperative, said: "I established the cooperative to help local women improve their earnings. This is also a way to preserve our traditional craft."
The sound of traditional hand looms, coupled with folk dances, adds charm to Tong Ju village. From their brocade weaving, local women have a better insight into traditional traits and are confident about bringing their culture closer to visitors./.
