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.

The Great Solidarity Festival for all the ethnic groups in Nam Thai hamlet, Doan Ket commune

On November 6, the residential area, Nam Thai hamlet, Doan Ket commune (Yen Thuy) organized the Great National Solidarity Festival and celebrated the 94th anniversary of the traditional day of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (November 18, 1930 - November 18, 2024). There was the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Tien Sinh, the Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, the Chairman of the Provincial Party Committee's Inspection Commission, and the leaders of the appropriate departments and branches of the province and Yen Thuy district.

Yen Thuy district preserves Muong ethnic cultural heritage

The authorities and community in Yen Thuy district are dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic groups in the locality. Yen Thuy is home to seven ethnic groups, with the Muong making up over 69% of the population.

Great national solidarity festival held in Thach Yen commune

A great national solidarity festival was held in Ngai hamlet, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district, on November 8. Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoa Binh province Bui Van Khanh, and Colonel Trinh Duc Thiem, Commander of the provincial Military Command, attended the event.