Crafting the Tinh gourd lute - preserving the traditional culture of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in Cao Bang

The craft of making the Tinh lute not only requires dexterity and meticulousness but also involves a combination of talent, experience, and a deep love for traditional music. Crafting a Tinh lute is no simple task- it demands skillfulness, patience, and a thorough understanding of each manufacturing stage. A complete Tinh lute consists of six main parts: a resonator (sound box), a neck, a soundboard, a bridge, strings, and tuning pegs.

To produce a standard Tinh lute with rich and resonant sound, the selection of the gourd is crucial. It must be a mature, round gourd with a thick shell and an appropriate size - not too large or too small. The top of the gourd is cut off, the inside is hollowed out, and it is soaked in lime water for about three days to prevent termites, then left to dry naturally. The wood used for the lute’s neck is typically lightweight, durable, easy to shape, and resistant to warping or bending. After all the necessary materials are prepared, the artisan begins by hollowing out the inside of the gourd to create a resonating chamber for sound. The gourd is then carefully carved, shaved, and smoothed to achieve a suitable shape that enhances the instrument’s acoustic quality. The lute’s neck is typically 80 cm to 1 meter in length, depending on the arm span of the intended player. The head of the neck is decorated with ethnic motifs and patterns, and fitted with tuning pegs to adjust the strings. The soundboard is made of wood, thinly cut to fit the opening of the gourd. The bridge, also made of wood, is placed at the center of the soundboard to support the strings and create the necessary vibration gap when the lute is played.

Tinh lute makers are often individuals who have a deep love and passion for traditional music, possess many years of experience, and have a refined sense of musical perception. This craft requires great delicacy in every detail-from selecting materials to the crafting process. One of the major challenges in preserving the art of Tinh lute making today is the risk of losing the traditional artisan workforce. In the context of rapid technological development, mass-produced musical instruments are gradually replacing handcrafted ones. Even more concerning is the fact that younger generations are showing less interest in the craft, leading to a break in the transmission of skills and knowledge between generations. However, thanks to growing attention and efforts in preserving traditional culture, the craft of Tinh lute making is gradually being revived and developed. Artisans are actively participating in cultural exchange programs, showcasing their products, and passing down their skills to younger generations. These efforts play an important role in preserving and promoting the value of folk music in contemporary life.

The traditional craft of making the Tinh lute is an inseparable part of the cultural life of the Tay and Nung people in Cao Bang. Preserving and promoting this craft not only helps safeguard traditional cultural values but also raises community awareness about the importance of protecting the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.