Tra Vinh preserves traditional Khmer craftsmanship of making headdresses and masks
WVR - Among the traditional art forms, the unique craftsmanship of making headdresses and masks, along with various musical instruments, plays a vital role in their cultural and artistic activities and is indispensable in the spiritual life of the Khmer community in Tra Vinh pronvince.
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| Meritorious artisan Lam Phen from Ba Se A hamlet, Luong Hoa commune (Chau Thanh district, Tra Vinh province) is currently finalizing headdresses and masks. (Photo: Phuong Nghi) |
Recently, the Tra Vinh Vocational College in Tra Vinh province organized a training course to preserve the traditional craft of making headdresses and masks of the Khmer people in Chau Thanh district, with the participation of 54 students, who are Khmer ethnic people from Chau Thanh district, Tra Vinh city, and Tra Vinh University. They were under the guidance and training of two Meritorious Khmer artisans, who are cultural holders of the craft of making headdresses, masks, and musical instruments, and teach traditional art performance.
The craftsmanship of making headdresses and masks requires dexterity and subtlety due to its unique features, contributing significantly to the success of performances. Meritorious Khmer artisan Lâm Phen from Ba Se A hamlet, Luong Hoa commune (Chau Thanh district) is one of those with skillful hands in making headdresses and masks, contributing to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Khmer people. His products serve essential roles in cultural and artistic activities, an integral part of the spiritual life of the Khmer people.
Meritorious artisan Lâm Phen shared: “In the past, artisans had to spend a lot of effort and time finding raw materials and carrying out crafting processes. However, nowadays, the crafting of headdresses and masks has become simpler due to the use of industrial glue and paint, and some processes have been improved, such as replacing fabric with lottery paper, which is less absorbent and more durable.
Clay molds have been replaced with cement molds for multiple uses. After taking the headdresses and masks from the molds, they are coated with oil paint to prevent moisture and termites, then painted to add thickness and gloss for easy patterning.
The color of each headdress and mask represents the character's personality; therefore, their colors and features differ. According to Mr. Lâm Phen, previously, artisans creatively used natural fruit colors; nowadays, there are various industrial paints, but it requires knowledge and understanding to mix and blend the right colors.
Thach Ly Na, a student from Mo Neo hamlet, Da Loc commune (Chau Thanh district) shared: “As a child, whenever there was a Rô Băm or Dù Kê art troupe performing in the village, or during the Kathina festival, I really enjoyed the lively monkey and bear dances. Now, being part of the class that preserves traditional craftsmanship of making headdresses and masks of the Khmer people, I am very happy and try to learn and exchange with others for performance opportunities to improve my skills and preserve our traditional culture."
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| The Khmer dance and singing Club of Padumavansa Kompong Thmo Pagoda (Lò Gạch Pagoda) in Ba Se A hamlet, Luong Hoa commune, Chau Thanh district, Tra Vinh province, performs traditional monkey and tiger dances during the Kathina Festival of the Khmer community. (Photo: Phuong Nhi) |
Currently, visitors to the Ba Om Pond tourist area (Tra Vinh city) will have a chance to meet artisan Lam Phen. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tra Vinh province invited him to use a plot of land in the tourist area to craft and restore Khmer artifacts. Besides seeing giant ancient trees, visiting Ang Pagoda, the Khmer Ethnic Culture Museum, tourists will enjoy watching artisan Lam Phen create cultural products.
Meritorious artisan Lam Phen expressed: “Having lived with this craft for over 20 years, I always seek to learn and innovate, and now I can make any artifact of the Khmer people. Thanks to the state's attention, I have been able to live with my craft and have many customers."
At the end of the course, 48 students were certified for completing the training. The program provided them with knowledge from theory to practice in the traditional craft of making headdresses and masks. This contributes to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups in the current era; creating opportunities for students to have stable professions, becoming artisans, generating income for their families, and contributing to local tourism development.
This activity contributes to teaching, preserving traditional folk knowledge of ethnic minorities, particularly the role of traditional craftsmanship in enhancing local strengths, attracting investment capital; promoting intangible cultural values, and contributing to the development of culture and tourism in the Mekong Delta region.
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