Bamboo and rattan weaving in Phu Tan commune, Soc Trang province, has long been a traditional craft and part of the unique culture of the local Khmer people. The craft has helped many families escape poverty and improve their life.
Bamboo and rattan products made by the Dat Phuong Nam Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative (Photo: Ngoc Anh)
The people of Phu Tan commune make bamboo and rattan products ranging from baskets used to catch fish to fine arts and handicraft items.
On an average, a skilled worker can weave 6 baskets of various sizes and types and earn more than 4 USD a day after deducting production costs. This job is suitable for women and the elderly because it doesn't involve heavy labor.
Lam Thi Phen, a resident of Phu Tan commune, told VOV that weaving is her traditional craft, handed down from generation to generation and her family has been engaged in the craft for 3 generations.
“When I was 10 years old, I already knew how to do it. We are very proud because our village is one of the most famous craft villages in Soc Trang province. Although I don't earn much money from the craft, I keep doing it because I love my job and can do it in my free time. I want to pass it on to my children and grandchildren,” Phe recalled.
Since households in Phu Tan commune linked up with each other to establish cooperatives, their production has expanded.
They no longer spend much time transporting products to a purchasing facility near the Soc Trang city center. The cooperatives provide raw materials and buy all the products made. The weavers have diversified their products to souvenirs and decorative items. Smaller products have a higher value because they take longer to weave and require more meticulousness and skill.
Nguyen Van Huynh introduces his typical products (Photo: Ngoc Anh)
Nguyen Van Huynh, Director of the Dat Phuong Nam Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative, said that they make miniatures of the traditional tools to sell as tourist souvenirs with a typical item being a 12-piece gift set inspired by typical products of the south: fishing baskets, flat wide baskets, large-flat baskets.
“The local administration has helped us by arranging tours of role models in places like Hanoi, Hue, and Dong Thap province,” said Huynh.
Bamboo and rattan weaving can be done by women and the elderly. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)
Chau Thanh district has supported the establishment of cooperatives, and mobilized hundreds of households to participate.
Cooperative members also receive preferential loans to buy raw materials, equipment, and machinery to expand production. The local administration has organized training courses on applying technical advances to production and preservation and study tours of weaving villages elsewhere, and helped them participate in trade fairs to promote their products.
According to Nguyen Van My, Deputy Chairman of the Chau Thanh district People’s Committee, they’ve mobilized the people to preserve and promote their traditional craft to create jobs and raise incomes.
“We’re trying to foster artisans, collect their suggestions, and help craft villages to build brands and participate in promotion programs and trade fairs,” My added.
Huynh said the products of Phu Tan are sold nationwide and exported, adding that they are working with other companies to export our products to Japan, China, Canada, and Thailand.
“Domestically, our products are sold in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Lao Cai, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the southern provinces. We make tourist souvenirs, home decorations, and bamboo decorations for restaurants and hotels,” said Huynh.
Ngoc Anh