Weaving brocade is a daily work of Muong women. (photo: thuonghieuvaphapluat.vn)

Muong girls typically can skillfully weave brocade fabric and craft clothing and bedding items by the age of 15 or 16. These handmade pieces, which they bring with them when they marry, showcase their skill, dexterity, and care for their families. Weaving has been an inseparable part of their life and culture.

Bui Thi Buong of Yen Nghiep commune, said: “My mother taught me how to weave when I was little. In Muong culture, most women learn to weave before marriage. If a woman cannot weave, she may find it difficult to marry.”

In the past, the Muong people spun cotton and silk yarns to weave fabric. But now they no longer spin threads by themselves but buy industrial yarn and wool in the market. Whatever the materials used, every day Muong women diligently weave intricate patterns on their simple, traditional looms.

Bui Thi Lan of Lục Hamlet said: “Traditionally we had to grow mulberry, raise silkworms, pull silk threads, spin yarn, and dye them red and yellow to make clothing. Now we use ready-made yarns to weave.”

The Muong have 12 types of patterns to decorate different products, including blanket and cushion covers, skirt waistbands, and decorative panels. Bui Thi Lan introduces the most popular patterns on the shirts. “There are many types of patterns, but the most beautiful ones feature flowers and dragon heads. In the past, dragon patterns were reserved for the clothing of the wealthy. Poorer individuals could be arrested for wearing them. Today, anyone can decorate their clothes with dragon images."

Brocade products of Luc Nghiep Thanh Cooperative are rated 3-star OCOP products. (photo: thuonghieuvaphapluat.vn)

Yen Nghiep commune now has over 160 weavers, who produce approximately 50,000 products to serve the locals and sell to other localities. Luc Nghiep Thanh Agricultural and Weaving Cooperative has helped the women in this effort. Duong Thi Bin, a member of the Cooperative, said: “The brocade weaving craft had faded, so when we established the Cooperative, we had to look for markets. At that time our products were sold locally and in some neighboring provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Dien Bien, and Son La province. We produced old, familiar models. Then we gradually improved the designs to suit each locality. Now our hand-embroidered products are much sought after."

The lives of the Cooperative’s members have been significantly improved, said Dinh Thi May: “Weaving provides me with extra income. I hope the authorities will offer more support to help us secure stable jobs and livelihoods.”

With colorful threads and skilled hands, Muong women create intricate patterns that reflect deep philosophical meanings. Symbols of grass, flowers, and sacred mascots, closely tied to Muong life, are woven into brocade fabric, celebrating their rich cultural heritage.