(VOVWORLD) - Phuoc Quoi hamlet in Chau Thanh district, Soc Trang province, has long been famous for bamboo and rattan weaving. The local Khmer people are proud of their traditional craft, which has helped them stabilize their lives. An additional facility has recently been established to buy local woven products.
 The traditional weaving craft helps many households in Phuoc Quoi hamlet escape poverty. (Photo: vwu.vn)
|
In daily activities the Khmer ethnic people use a lot of items woven of bamboo and rattan, a time-honored traditional craft. These are broad flat drying baskets, trays, mats, and baskets with different designs and purposes.
On average, a skillful worker can weave 6 small baskets a day or one pair of baskets of medium size. He or she can earn more than 4 USD a day after deducting production costs. For women or the elderly in the hamlet this is a suitable job because it doesn't require heavy labor.
 Tran Thi Phien of Phuoc Quoi hamlet in Phu Tan commune, Chau Thanh district, is demonstrating basket weaving for visitors. |
Tran Thi Phien, who has been engaged in the craft since she was little, says people in Phuoc Quoi hamlet have taught each other the weaving craft and their products are diverse and beautiful.
She told VOV, “My maternal grandfather and mother pursued the craft. When I grew up, my mom told me to help out. And I did and learned how to do it. Generally income from the craft is quite good. My children are still little so I can do it at home and take care of them.”
This year, Phuoc Quoi people received a good news when an establishment that buys bamboo and rattan products moved into the village.
 Truong Thi Bich Thuy (C), owner of Thuy Tuyet facility, is talking with members of Chau Thanh district Women Union. (Photo: VOV) |
Truong Thi Bach Thuy, the facility’s owner, said, “Bamboo and rattan handicraft produces secondary income for farming households. It is the main income for people who have no other employment. I came here because there is a craft village. I bought land and built a warehouse in the village. The locals make products and sell them to us.”
Thuy's establishment buys more than 100 consumer items, decorative items, and tourist souvenirs, and sells raw materials to the local craftsmen. It has made the village a busier place.
Chau Hong Hoa, Chairwoman of the Chau Thanh district Women’s Union, says the Union will collaborate with Thuy’s facility to develop the craft village.
“Thuy’s facility is an outlet for products made by local people. In the future, the Chau Thanh district Women’s Union will work with the People's Committee of Phu Tan commune to establish a cooperative to link businesses and the local administration to create jobs for women and help them stabilize their lives,” said Hoa.