Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - An exhibition featuring the weaving craft of the Co Tu ethnic minority people in the central province ofQuang Nam will be held in Hanoi on August 1 and 2.
The exhibition will also introduce the specialcultural practices of the group as well as their weaving products past andpresent.
Visitors will have the chance to hear stories told byCo Tu weaving artisans and read a book introducing the group’s craft.
Products to be displayed include a “xa lech”, a three-compartment back basket Co Tu men use anda pinnacle of the rattan weaving art, a “p’reng”, a small back basket withunique patterns for Co Tu children to use at festivals, and a “p’rom”, a backbasket for Co Tu women to bring gifts to their parents or to use in certain dances.
According to organisers, the exhibition is part of aproject to improve the livelihoods of ethnic minority groups through thedevelopment of the rattan and herbal plant value chain and to preserve biodiversityin Quang Nam.
Launched first in September 2019, it has beenimplemented by the Truong Son Xanh Project with funding from the US Agency forInternational Development (USAID). The project covers mountainous districts in QuangNam such as Dong Giang, Tay Giang, and Nam Giang, which are home to the Co Tupeople.
Due to low demand for rattan products as well as a shortageof materials, the Co Tu people must depend on the forest for their livelihood,affecting biodiversity.
In this context, the Truong Son Xanh Project hascoordinated with VietCraft to support 450 households in ten communes in thethree districts to develop rattan raw material areas, expand training in rattan weaving, and develop markets, thus increasing local incomes.
So far, 150 hectares of rattan have been planted, while 250households have received training./.
