Traditional bamboo basket-weaving craft preserved and promoted

After five months of operation, the traditional basket weaving group in Ninh Tay Commune (Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province) has initially helped some Ede ethnic people earn more income. However, the craft group needs more support to develop further.

Initial results

In recent years, industrial products have dominated the market due to their advantages in design, durability, production time, and competitive prices compared to handmade ones. Consequently, some traditional handicrafts, including the weaving craft of the Ede people, have gradually disappeared. Over time, the number of people who know how to weave baskets among the Ede people has decreased.

Getting finished products ready for sale.

However, as handmade baskets are still needed for daily use and as souvenirs, the Ninh Tay Commune Farmers’ Association was approved by the Commune Party Committee to establish a traditional basket-weaving group at the end of May. It officially began operating in June with seven members.

Y Sum from Dung Village, a group leader, learned how to weave baskets from his father when he was young. The work can bring some income as a side hustle during the free post-harvest time and is suitable for elderly people and those with limited physical health.

After the professional group was established, the members in the village could support each other in the stages of weaving baskets and promoting products, thereby increasing the number of customers and income. Seventy-one-year-old Y Brot from Dung Village said that thanks to the professional association, elderly people can also take up the work and have extra income.

The bamboo baskets are made in four sizes. On average, each person weaves about ten baskets per month. Since its establishment, the professional association has woven about 110 baskets and sold nearly 60. At the 2024 Agricultural and OCOP Product Fair organized by the Provincial Farmers’ Association in August, the group sold ten baskets, earning VND 3 million.

With baskets selling at VND 270,000 to 500,000 each, the members initially earn income and thus contribute to maintaining the traditional profession. H’Re from Dung Village prefers woven bamboo baskets to plastic ones when working on the farm, as bamboo baskets are more durable when exposed to the sun, flexible when soaked in water, sturdy when dried, and can be used for up to 4-5 years.

More support needed

According to Nguyen Duc Cuong, Chairman of the Commune Farmers’ Association, to support the initial activities of the group, the Commune Farmers’ Association provided VND1 million and helped promote their products through various channels. In particular, the association registered the group to participate in the 2024 Agricultural Products and OCOP Products Fair to introduce their products. However, consumption is still limited.

Besides, the group faces some difficulties as the members are elderly and weak. Some stages of basket weaving, such as splitting bamboo and stripping bamboo strips, are prone to injuries and require the support of equipment.

According to H’Anh Nguyet, Vice-Chairperson of the Commune People’s Committee, the commune leaders highly appreciate the proposal of the Commune Farmers’ Association to help ethnic minorities earn extra income during the off-season.

The establishment of the traditional basket-weaving group not only contributes to preserving and promoting a traditional profession but also creates opportunities for people to trade in handicraft products. The commune will increase support for promoting and introducing the products at fairs, on social networks and through the commune’s broadcasting system. They will also integrate product promotion at cultural village competitions and festivals and mobilize support for handicraft activities.

“Basket weaving is a traditional craft of the Ede people. The Commune Farmers’ Association hopes to receive more support from all levels, sectors, and localities, especially in terms of machinery, equipment and product consumption. Increased product consumption will help promote the craft and attract more young learners, helping to preserve the traditional craft sustainably,” said Nguyen Duc Cuong.

N.T

Translated by N.T