Mo Muong on journey to becoming intangible cultural heritage of humanity: Part 3

Mo Muong on journey to becoming intangible cultural heritage of humanity: Part 3 - Motivation for Mo Muong to "take off"

5/30/2024 - 2:31:58 PM

In an effort to preserve and promote the unique cultural values of Mo Muong, the northern province of Hoa Binh is charting a course to compile a scientific dossier seeking UNESCO recognition for Mo Muong as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Artisan Bui Van Rum from Rom Co hamlet, Thuong Coc commune, Lac Son district, proudly joins the building of the national dossier for Mo Muong.

Despite effective measures by the province, Mo Muong cultural practices face numerous challenges as globalisation, especially its cultural aspects, has introduced strong foreign influences. This has resulted in the simplification of Mo songs used in funerals. Over the time, the number of Mo Muong artisans is dwindling, with many aging. According to the latest statistics from the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, there are 212 Mo Muong artisans in the locality, almost all of them old. Without timely training of a new generation, the situation will worsen.

To address these challenges and achieve UNESCO recognition, the Hoa Binh People's Committee has collaborated with the provinces of Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Son La, Thanh Hoa, and Dak Lak, and Hanoi city. This collaboration aims to develop a comprehensive national dossier for Mo Muong's inclusion in the UNESCO list.

Concrete steps have already been taken. A steering committee and a dedicated dossier preparation committee have been established in Hoa Binh. The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism partnered with the Vietnam National Academy of Music for a local seminar on Mo Muong. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with the provincial committee, organised domestic seminars and international conferences that attracted leading scholars, literature and art experts, and UNESCO intangible cultural heritage specialists.

The Institute of Music played a crucial role by collecting, audio recording, and filming Mo Muong cultural practices. They are also responsible for crafting scientific records and finalising documentary films on this unique heritage.

On March 29, the Government Office issued a document reflecting the Deputy Prime Minister's endorsement for submitting the "Mo Muong" dossier to UNESCO. This endorsement proposes the inclusion of Mo Muong intangible cultural heritage practices from Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Son La, and Dak Lak, and Hanoi City in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Quang Tien commune preserves Muong ethnic culture

Quang Tien commune in Hoa Binh city, home to over 1,300 Muong ethnic minority people, has worked to preserve and promote the traditional cultural traits of the group.

Lac Son district preserves Muong ethic culture

Lac Son district, home to an array of tangible and intangible cultural heritage items of the Muong ethnic group, has paid due attention preserving and promoting the values of their unique culture.

Dao ethnic minority people uphold traditional medicine

With rich knowledge of medicinal materials in nature, Dao ethnic minority people in Tu Son commune of Kim Boi district have practiced traditional medicine for generations and brought their long-standing therapies into play in the current life.

Da Bac district promotes cultural identity of Dao ethnic group

Da Bac district is home to five ethnic groups who make up nearly 90% of its population. Among them, the Dao ethnic group accounts for over 14%. In recent years, focus has been placed on preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Dao people, serving as a foundation for boosting community-based tourism in this mountainous district.

Hoa Binh preserves local relic sites

Hoa Binh province has paid due attention to preserving and managing local cultural relic sites in tandem with branching out tourism, contributing to the socio-economic development.

Thanh Cong Cooperative preserves Muong culture

Thanh Cong Cooperative, established in 2019 in Dan Chu ward, Hoa Binh city, has provided vocational training for rural, ethnic minority labourers, while helping them in selling bamboo, rattan, and brocade products, and preserving the Muong people’s culture.