Preserving and promoting the traditional brocade weaving of the Tay people in Cao Bang

The brocade weaving of the Tay people in Cao Bang is a long-standing traditional craft, originating from the practice of self-sufficiency and developing gradually during the labor process. The products are imbued with cultural identity, shaped and decorated with diverse patterns on indigo fabric with sophisticated weaving techniques, demonstrating the skillfulness and creative aesthetic sense of ethnic women. The brocade weaving craft of the Tay people in Cao Bang is most famous in the communes of Dao Ngan, Phu Ngoc (now Ngoc Dao commune, Ha Quang district); Dan Chu, Duc Long, Nuoc Hai town (Hoa An). In 2023, the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Tay people in Ngoc Dao commune (Ha Quang) was announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Deploying the breakthroughs of sustainable tourism and service development in the period of 2021 - 2025, Cao Bang province enhances the preservation of traditional craft villages for community-based tourism development. In particular, Tay brocade products are identified to become a typical tourism product in the coming time. To restore the brocade weaving craft, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has increased training programs, and activities on raising awareness about preserving the value of craft villages and improving livelihoods for people. In coordination with the Department of Industry and Trade, the Provincial Tourism Association has implemented many practical activities to support the connection and promotion of textile products at domestic and regional expos, tourism events, and geoparks network event.

At the 8th APGN Symposium 2024, Luong Noi Brocade Weaving Workshop, Ngoc Dao Commune (Ha Quang) participated in displaying products at the ethnic cultural space of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. Eye-catching brocade items and souvenirs such as handbags, wallets, key chains, towels, pillow covers, blanket covers, etc. received attention and positive feedback from international delegates thanks to their aesthetics and uniqueness in every detail. In particular, the cultural story about the long-standing traditional weaving craft of the Tay ethnic group in Cao Bang left a deep impression on international delegates.

In order to promote the production and consumption of textile products, the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Management Board has increasingly promoted the value of traditional brocade weaving on the Geopark website, News briefings; advised and guided local people to apply information technology in branding and trade promotion on social networking platforms such as Youtube, Facebook, Tiktok, etc.

To protect and promote the value of brocade weaving, in addition to the concern and support of Departments and authorities at all levels, the consensus and responsible and effective participation of the local community are indispensable. Artisan Nong Thi Thuoc, Head of the Luong Noi Brocade Weaving Association, Ngoc Dao Commune (Ha Quang) shared that brocade weaving is particularly important to local people, not only bringing economic benefits but also playing a significant role in maintaining the cultural identity. Therefore, the elderly in Luong Noi Commune have always been concerned about the preservation of the heritage value of brocade weaving, nurturing and passing it down to current and future generations.

Protecting and promoting the value of brocade weaving in association with sustainable tourism development not only helps improve the income of craft villagers but also contributes positively to educating local traditions, culture and history. Thereby, assisting in promoting and introducing the cultural identity and image of Cao Bang people to domestic and international tourists.