(HBO) – A retired teacher in Phong Phu commune, Tan Lac district is known far and wide for his enthusiasm for studying and preserving the cultural values of the Muong ethnic people in Hoa Binh province. Born and growing up in the ancient land of Muong Bi, Bui Van Noi has accumulated a lot of knowledge and documents about Muong ethnic culture.
Bui Van Noi (third, from left) shows people his studies about Muong
culture.
Realising the importance of preserving and promoting the Muong ethnic cultural
identity, he researched and wrote books and articles about culture in general
and Muong ethnic culture in particular. He also participated in the teaching of
the Muong language.
Since 2010, Noi has been the author or co-author of many books and dictionaries
relating to Muong culture. He also wrote for Hoa Binh Newspaper, Hoa Binh Arts
Magazine, Hoa Binh provincial Party Committee website, Nguon sang (Light)
Magazine of Vietnam Folk Arts Association and Ethnology Magazine.
Thanks to his studies and contributions to Muong culture preservation, Noi has
won many awards such as Prize A of the Vietnam Folk Arts Association in 2008;
Prize C of the Vietnam Ethnic Minorities Literature and Arts Association in
2013, a second prize in the contest "90 years of Hoa Binh Culture",
and two third prizes from the Hoa Binh Literature and Arts Association.
Bui Thi Trang, cultural officer of Phong Phu commune, said that
Noi has made great contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural
values of the Muong ethnic group in the commune in particular and Hoa Binh
province in general.
When the province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism collected
tangible and intangible cultural values in the area, Noi was one of the active
contributors and he provided the agency with valuable information.
His work helps people across the country understand more about the rich and
unique culture of the Muong ethnic group. Particularly, the Muong script of Hoa
Binh province is being taught and disseminated to units, agencies and schools
throughout the province.
The 10th art festival for the armed forces, youths and students of Hoa Binh province celebrating the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and 35th anniversary of the All People’s Defence Day wrapped up on April 25.
Xoe dance, an unique art form of the Thai ethnic minority group in Mai Chau district of Hoa Binh province has existed for a long time and passed down through generations. Xoe dance is not only a popular dance in the Thai community but also a unique cultural feature, an indispensable part in the Thai ethnic minority people's cultural and spiritual life.
The Bac Son pre-school in Hung Son commune, Kim Boi district is effectively implementing a model of preserving and promoting cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.
Through ups and downs, many unique cultural features of the Muong ethnic minority group are facing risks of falling into oblivion. However, with a strong determination, Lac Son district of Hoa Binh province has deployed synchronous solutions to preserve and promote the locality's cultural heritage values.
If Tan Lac is considered the core of the cradle of Muong culture in Hoa Binh, Phong Phu commune is the cultural centre of Muong culture in Tan Lac district. Luy Ai hamlet in Phong Phu commune is where customs and traditions of Muong Bi are preserved. Luy Ai hamlet was chosen to build a space to preserve Muong ethnic culture. The district is seeking support from the province and coordinating with relevant agencies to devise a plan on preservation of Muong cultural spaces associated with developing tourism products and improving the lives of local residents.
Nguyen Manh Tuan, a Muong ethnic man in Ba Hang Doi town, Lac Thuy district, is known as a young, dedicated, and outstanding artisan who has made significant contributions in collecting, restoring, and preserving national cultural values.
