Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang

Thứ Tư, 31/12/2025, 13:29

PSNews - Nestled at the confluence of the Bassac River, Chau Phong commune in An Giang remains a living repository of the distinctive cultural traditions of the Cham people—an ethnic community with a long-standing presence in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Among its most compelling attractions is the centuries-old craft of brocade weaving, a cultural hallmark that continues to draw visitors eager to experience an authentic craft village.

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Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -0 — The brocade weaving tradition of the Cham community in Chau Phong dates back to the early 19th century, closely intertwined with the community’s settlement history in An Giang. Today, revitalizing this traditional craft and linking it to tourism development has become a practical and meaningful priority for the local Cham Muslim community.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -1 — In 2023, the brocade weaving craft of the Cham people in Chau Phong was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, marking a significant milestone that affirms the craft’s outstanding cultural value.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -2 — What sets Cham brocade apart lies in its weaving techniques, vivid color palette, and intricate patterns. Artisans work entirely by hand on wooden looms, producing textiles renowned for their refinement and durability.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -3 — The motifs are diverse and symbolic, reflecting the Cham people’s worldview, beliefs, and aesthetic sensibilities.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -4 — Color is another defining feature. Cham brocade is celebrated for its striking and vibrant hues, with artisans traditionally favoring natural tones such as indigo, red, yellow, and green to dye threads and fabrics.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -5 — Weavers in Chau Phong do not use ready-made spools directly. Instead, purchased thread is rewound into multiple smaller spools before warping the loom.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -6 — Threads of varying thickness—commonly grades 20, 30, and 40—are selected depending on the desired texture, with higher numbers indicating finer yarns. A hand-operated spinning wheel is used to transfer thread from large cones to smaller spools for warping or onto bobbins for the shuttle.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -7 — Beyond traditional items such as sarongs and scarves, local weaving workshops have diversified their offerings in recent years. Brocade patterns are now incorporated into a range of modern products, including colorful handbags in varied designs tailored to tourist tastes.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -8 — These items are valued not only for their visual appeal but also for their practicality, making them especially popular with visitors.

Exploring the Cham brocade weaving village of Chau Phong in An Giang -9 — In line with national policies to preserve and promote traditional craft villages in tandem with tourism development, Chau Phong has welcomed tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors in recent years. The village stands today as a vivid example of how cultural heritage, when carefully nurtured, can continue to thrive in contemporary life.

By Kim Khanh