Chạm bạc của người Dao Tiền (Ngân Sơn, Bắc Kạn)

Silver carving of the Dao Tien people (Ngan Son, Bac Kan)

Connected Heritage – A Cultural Heritage project aimed at
Equal development

Silver carving of the Dao Tien people (Ngan Son, Bac Kan)

18/06/2024
caotrungvinh

The silver carving craft of the Dao Tien people in Bac Kan is considered a unique form of intangible cultural heritage. Silver jewelry has an important meaning in the lives of the Dao people, both having spiritual value in ritual activities and the lives of the Dao people (in the Cap sac and Maturity ceremonies, etc.), and having great material value in the community (owning jewelry or using it as a dowry in a wedding challenge, etc.).

Currently, the silver carving profession is in danger of disappearing: in the past, each Dao Tien village had two to three silver carving artisans, but now there are many fewer; many Dao Tien villages do not even have silver carving artisans.

The photo series was taken by the author (Cao Trung Vinh) in April and June 2024, with the coordination of artisan Trieu Tien Liem and the support of the British Council, to record the stages of the carving technique and the types of silver carvings in the Dao Tien community in Ngan Son district (Bac Kan).

This document is made with the hope that it will help the younger generation understand and apply this type of intangible cultural heritage in current cultural development activities, not only for the Dao Tien people but also for other ethnic groups in Vietnam.

IMAGE

Mr. Trieu Tien Liem (56 years old) in the silver carving workshop kitchen

Mr. Trieu Tien Liem (Ngan Son town, Bac Kan province) is one of the very few artisans who still preserve the silver carving profession passed down from his father. He was taught the profession by his father, Trieu Thua Thong, who is now 80 years old.

Mr. Trieu Tien Liem is punching and cutting buttons.

For him, silver carving is both a way for him to make a living and a career that he must preserve. He said, “This job is hard, requires hard work all day long but the income is not worth much, each button from the kiln, to the chiseling, cutting can cost about 10,000 VND… nowadays, young people do not like this job.”

Sickle artisan guides the community on the silver carving process

He taught his children and villagers the technique of silver carving, but few wanted to follow the profession.

'Same group' bracelet and small flower attached to the 'nhoan piang' shirt band

Most of his carvings are done at the request of people in the community.

The products in Dao Tien women's costumes that he often makes include:

'Pu nom chot' earrings
Necklace of 7 'together' rings
The shirt has 10 buttons, 5 buttons on each side 'back waistband'
Belt used to tie around the waist 'lùng sin'
Ring of 'fame'
'control' bracelet
Small flowers to attach to the 'nhoan piang' shirt strip

Silver carving on betel bag of Dao Tien women

In addition to silver jewelry that goes with costumes, everyday items such as betel bags and accompanying items are also carved and engraved by the Tien Dao people with skillful techniques and high value.

Silver patterns are attached to women's clothing.

Once the costume is sewn and embroidered, silver carvings are ordered and attached to the costume.

Silver Rings and Buttons

For the Dao Tien people, silver and silver-engraved objects are an indispensable part of the bride’s dowry to the groom’s family. In the past, the dowry consisted of 10 silver coins, a set of silver necklaces (seven bracelets), silver bracelets (a pair) and wedding rings. Nowadays, although life has changed, the bride’s dowry to the groom’s family is still the same silver-engraved objects (although there may be less).