Bui Van Luong, a resident of Bung 2 hamlet, Thu Phong commune, Cao Phong district maintains the traditional weaving profession of the Muong ethnic group.
Luong shared that he learned the art of weaving from the elders in his village and has been practicing it for over 30 years. "In the past, when there were no plastic or stainless steel items like we have today, all household utensils were handmade from bamboo, rattan, and wood,” he said. "I’m happy to keep this traditional craft alive while earning additional income for my family.”
His customers are primarily individuals, but he receives orders regularly. Many clients from Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Hai Duong are impressed by the intricate, high-quality woven products created by the Muong ethnic people in Hoa Binh. Families from Cao Phong and neighbouring districts often visit his house to order traditional Muong items. Some even request woven baskets to carry blankets and pillows as part of wedding gifts for daughters preparing to get married.
In addition to Luong, several other families in Bung 2 Hamlet are also preserving the traditional weaving craft of the Muong people. This effort reflects the community's dedication to maintaining and promoting their ethnic cultural identity.
Besides weaving, Bung 2 Hamlet has excelled in preserving traditional music. The hamlet proudly owns a set of 12 gongs, which are frequently played during festivals and holidays. Gong-playing skills are actively passed down to younger generations. Not only are the elders skilled in playing the gongs, but even young students have developed an interest and can perform basic gong compositions.
Moreover, Bung 2 Hamlet maintains a collection of traditional Muong musical instruments, such as co ke and sao oi. These instruments are stored at the hamlet’s cultural house, where they are regularly practiced and used for community events.
Bui Van Bien, head of Bung 2 Hamlet, said that the hamlet was formed through the merging of Bung 3 and Bung 4 and now consists of 100 households with 432 residents, 98% of whom are Muong ethnic people. As one of the four main Muong regions in Hoa Binh, the people of Bung 2 take pride in preserving their ethnic cultural heritage. This preservation starts within each family and extends to the simplest, most familiar customs and traditions.
For example, all Muong women in the hamlet own traditional outfits, which they wear during festivals, weddings, and community events. The Muong language is spoken daily by adults and taught to children. By the time students reach secondary school, they are fluent in listening to and speaking Muong. Families also uphold Muong culinary traditions, including steaming rice, arranging dishes on leaf platters, and preparing traditional meals.
As a pioneer in building a new rural lifestyle, Bung 2 Hamlet has experienced remarkable transformations. Living standards have steadily improved, with an estimated per capita income of 42 million VND (1.654 USD) in 2024, while the poverty rate has dropped to 3%. Most families now live in solid, spacious homes equipped with modern amenities.
Despite these advancements, what stands out most is the community’s unwavering commitment to cherishing and preserving the rich cultural traditions of the Muong ethnic group.
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