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The preservation of cultural features of craft villages is necessary. |
There are many craft villages in the central province of Binh Dinh, but most have gradually become “non-craft villages”. The target of saving craft villages was set, aiming to preserve their cultural features.
Among 54 craft villages in the province, there are 20 in An Nhon district, including many famous ones.
The busiest time couldn’t be seen in Tay Phuong Danh blacksmith village, Bang Chau, and Van Son. Other names, such as My Ha conical hat, Nhon Phuc gong, and Com (grilled green rice) Nhon Thanh have almost disappeared.
“There are now over 400 households in Bac Nhan Thap village, consisting of 40 specializing in lathing and fine arts,” said head of Bac Nhan Thap village, Le Van Dau. “The number of skilled workers and products is considerably going down.”
Some have still tried to maintain the production and some moved to work in provinces of Gia Lai and Kon Tum.
Of 410 households in Van Son village, nearly 40 are now making potteries. Most products are of low economic value, such as coal stoves, earthen saucers, and earthen pots.
Vo Thi Thay, a skilled potter, said some still tried to make potteries, hoping to keep the craft village alive.
Ha Ri brocade village in Vinh Hiep commune, Vinh Thanh district is also facing the same difficulties. It was supported by a tourism project, but there are not any considerable changes.
From the cultural point of view, it’s easy to see traditional cultural features of craft villages. They, therefore, belong to a part of the cultural heritage that needs preserving.
The project on developing craft village in Binh Dinh by 2010 and vision to 2020 is expected to help craft village come alive.
At present, 38 craft villages have been selected to join the project and they are preparing all necessary conditions for full operation.
Alongside this, the cultural features of each craft villages also require serious concern
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