The Ta Lai rice fields are lush green in the early morning mistThe unique cultural beauty of the Ma and S’tieng ethnic groups
The Ma and S’tieng ethnic groups in Ta Lai have a lifestyle closely connected to the mountains and forests, with cultural values passed down through generations. In particular, brocade weaving is one of the most prominent cultural symbols of the community. The brocade weavers here have been dedicated to and passed down their craft from generation to generation. The people use looms made of bamboo and wood to meticulously create fabrics with simple patterns, reflecting the genuine nature of the people, close to nature. Ms. Ka Dieu, an artisan in Ta Lai, shared: “I don’t know when the Ma ethnic group’s brocade weaving originated, but I remember that since I was a child, I and other girls were taught the craft of brocade weaving by our grandmothers and mothers”.
Besides brocade weaving, the basket weaving craft of the S’tieng people is also a unique cultural feature. Mr. K’Soi, a basket weaving artisan over 70 years old, said that completing a traditional basket takes a long time, sometimes a whole month. The most difficult part is creating the shape and patterns so that the basket reflects the characteristics of their ethnic group, showcasing the experience and skill acquired over many years of practice.
Despite their unique cultural values, the traditional crafts of the Ma and S’tieng ethnic groups in Ta Lai are facing the risk of disappearing over time. Ms. Ka Tuyen, formerly a tour guide at Cat Tien National Park, shared: “Many young people believe that weaving brocade is hard work and doesn't bring in high income, so they don't want to pursue the profession. Those aged 23-45 with families worry about not having a market for their work, so they send workers to urban areas”. This weakens the workforce for traditional crafts and also leads to the loss of cultural values that have been passed down through generations.
Community-based tourism projects were created to preserve culture
Recognizing the serious situation of traditional crafts, Ms. Ka Tuyen stopped working as a tour guide after 10 years to focus on the community tourism project in Ta Lai village. In March 2024, she persuaded several villagers to establish a tourism cooperative and opened Ta Lai Eco Lodge, a homestay accommodation designed in the traditional style of the Ma and S’tiêng ethnic groups.
The community tourism project aims not only to generate income for the people but also to preserve the traditional culture of the community. “We want tourists to come to Ta Lai village not only to explore nature but also to learn about the cultural life of the Ma and S’tieng people”, shared Ms. Ka Tuyen.
Currently, Ta Lai Eco Lodge welcomes nearly 100 guests each month, including more than 30 foreign visitors. Guests can participate in various activities such as camping, cycling to explore the forest, paddleboarding on the river, or attending traditional weaving and basketry classes with local artisans.
Fulfilling the ambition of preserving culture
The community tourism project has generated income for the people, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values of Ta Lai village. Currently, the cooperative has mobilized more than 10 artisans in brocade weaving and basketry to participate in the activities, at the same time has also established a gong and drum ensemble and a traditional dance troupe to serve tourists.
Ms. Ka Tuyen said, “We are planning to revive our ethnic group’s traditional craft, from spinning our own yarn to dyeing the fabric with natural colors using forest plants, instead of buying industrial yarn as we do now”. In addition, the cooperative is also building an ethnic cultural center in Ta Lai village to display and introduce handicrafts and traditional costumes of the Ma and S’tieng ethnic groups.
This is not just a tourism project, but also an effort to preserve cultural values that have been passed down through generations. With the efforts of the village community and the interest of tourists, Ta Lai village will continue to be a place that preserves the traditional cultural values of the Ma and S’tieng ethnic groups, at the same time creating a brighter future for the local people./.
