There are cultural values that are preserved intact in books and museum artifacts, but there are also living legacies cherished by the very hands and memories of people. In the Cham village of My Nghiep in Dien Phuoc commune, traditional brocade patterns are still present on every piece of fabric woven each day. Behind those vibrant colors lies a persistent, silent journey of seasoned artisans—people who have spent their entire lives attached to the clatter of the loom, preserving the cultural essence passed down through generations.
In a small house in the middle of the craft village, artisans Dat Thi Nam and Van Thi Than are exemplary figures who have spent over half a century working to keep the craft alive, ensuring that the traditional thread is not broken amidst the rushing flow of time. For artisan Dat Thi Nam, she begins her day with her familiar work at the loom, spinning threads and setting up the frame by herself, following the simple lessons she learned from her mother without any formal schooling. Currently, she keeps nearly 100 ancient patterns in her memory—each motif is a story about nature, temples, and the profound religious life of the Cham. Meanwhile, artisan Van Thi Than, nearly 80 years old, still works diligently at the loom, possessing the secret of delicate color coordination between dark backgrounds and bright patterns to create prominence, while continuously innovating new, eye-catching layouts for the fabric.
The persistent dedication of these two women, acting as living archives, has prompted the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to complete documentation to propose the title of Meritorious Artisan. However, the greatest joy for the artisans is not just social recognition, but the fact that the fire of the craft is being proudly carried on by the younger generation. Within the family of artisan Dat Thi Nam, her granddaughter Phu Ngoc Huynh, despite being a teacher pursuing an academic path, still spends much effort learning the craft from her grandmother to spread her love and inspire young people to preserve the heritage. The multi-colored threads in My Nghiep are still continuing to intertwine, building a bridge connecting the past with the present, keeping the soul of brocade alive in the community.
