Summer is not only a time for play and rest after a stressful school year or exploring new lands, but also a wonderful opportunity for children to participate in experiences and learn about profound traditional cultural values. At Bau Truc pottery village in Ninh Phuoc commune, many children had a truly special day as they transformed into "young artisans," hand-crafting their own unique pottery items. Through these seemingly simple activities, the identity of Cham culture is being spread and reached by the younger generation in a way that is more accessible and vivid than ever before.
Visiting the ancient pottery craft village these days, it is easy to come across the image of small hands enthusiastically kneading clay. From simple lumps of earth, small cups, bowls, or flower pots are gradually formed through movements that, while still clumsy, are full of excitement and clear laughter. Under the dedicated guidance of skilled Cham artisans, the young visitors get acquainted with every stage of the craft, from shaping and smoothing the surface to decorating the products. Many children express great delight at the stage of hand-carving patterns onto the pottery based on their own imagination to keep as a souvenir of the trip.
For parents, the hands-on experience at Bau Truc is not merely a fun recreational activity during the summer break, but also a valuable practical lesson that helps children better understand the value of labor. To create a finished pottery product, the potter must put in a great deal of effort and meticulousness through each rigorous step. The patience of the artisans as they craft pottery while recounting millennial-old stories of the trade has awakened in the hearts of the future generations a sense of curiosity, passion, and an awareness to cherish and join hands in preserving the intangible cultural heritage of the nation.
