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The “fire keeper” of K’Tung village

At the age of 80, Cil K’Pop, a resident of village 2, Da Long commune, still diligently sits at her weaving loom. Despite her age, she persistently passes on the craft to her children and women in the village, hoping that the “fire of the craft” will not fade away.

Cil K’Pop, the “fire keeper” of K’Tung village. (Photo: Pham Hung)

On a morning in late May, in her humble house, about a dozen spools of multi-colored thread were neatly arranged on the porch. Her skinny but skillful hands kept weaving and connecting each thread. After only about 20 minutes, the separate threads had become a vivid, shimmering rainbow-like palette. While weaving, she talked to her daughter about the pattern-making technique – the soul of the unique beauty of K’Tung brocade.

Sitting next to her mother, 44-year-old Cil K’Phang, K’Pop’s daughter, worked quickly and skillfully on the loom. With about 10 fixed wooden bars, each weaving movement requires strength and decisiveness to create firmness for the fabric, but at the same time, one must be skillful in threading and mixing colors to create patterns that local people call “tia”. The zigzag tia lines, linked together, not only reflect daily life but also symbolize the spirit of community solidarity. The unique patterns and color combinations of the Co Ho - Chil people still retain their originality.

Reflecting on the tradition of brocade weaving, K'Pop shared with enthusiasm: "I began weaving at the age of 11 or 12, both self-learning and under the careful guidance of my mother and grandmother. For more than 70 years, I have remained devoted to the loom, initially weaving solely for my family. As the village women expressed interest, I started teaching the craft to them. Though challenging, I continue to pass it down to my daughter, always reminding her of the importance of preserving our trade."

Beyond his daughter, K'Pop's grandchildren are also continuing his legacy. His granddaughter, the fourth daughter of K’Phang, has now grasped the fundamentals of weaving and can craft fabric themselves. Though their designs remain simple, they still bring pride to the artisan dedicated to preserving the tradition.

Revival thanks to community efforts

Brocade weaving in K’Tung village once thrived, producing a diverse array of items, including shirts, skirts, loincloths, wall hangings, handbags, scarves, and tablecloths. However, it is no longer the village's primary occupation. Women now weave only during the off-season, after harvesting coffee, cashews, and durian.

With infrastructure still underdeveloped and products primarily serving family needs, the craft faces the risk of fading into obscurity.

Cil K'Phang threads the shuttle to weave brocade. (Photo: Pham Hung)

To address this challenge, the Women's Union of Da Long commune has introduced the "Brocade Weaving" cooperative model. According to the Association's representative, the initiative not only helps revive the traditional cultural identity of the Co Ho - Chil people but also provides an avenue for women to enhance their income, gradually establishing a sustainable livelihood. Once route 722 from Lac Duong to Dam Rong is completed, the model is expected to integrate with community tourism, introducing brocade products to both domestic and international visitors.

Speaking with the VietnamTimes Magazine, Lieng Hot Ha Sep, Vice Chairman of Da Long commune People's Commitee, said that the Lam Dong People's Committee has issued a decision recognizing the Brocade Weaving Craft Village in K'Tung Hamlet, Village 2, Da Long Commune, as meeting the criteria for a Traditional Craft Village. This designation not only holds cultural significance but also provides a legal foundation for the village to benefit from government support policies.

Despite this recognition, Da Long lacks a structured, centralized program to teach brocade weaving. Production remains fragmented, and income from the craft is still modest. While reviving the craft village will take time, the unity between the people and the local government is a promising force. Weaving is more than just a livelihood—it is a cultural heritage that must be safeguarded.

Efforts to restore and expand brocade weaving in Da Long not only provide financial stability to ethnic minorities during the off-season but also serve to preserve valuable traditional cultural elements at risk of being lost. This concern is shared by artisans like K'Pop, alongside the commitment of the government and community, and the passion of those dedicated to protecting ethnic minority traditions.

Preserving the craft is preserving the soul of the village.

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