Vietnam's Ethnic Minorities Preserve Traditional 'Tho Cam' Textile Colors

Within the Co Ho ethnic community in Vietnam's Central Highlands, the traditional 'Tho Cam' (handwoven textile) dyeing techniques using natural materials are being preserved as cultural heritage. These textiles feature unique patterns and colors reflecting their spirituality and perception of nature. In Dung K'Noh village, Dam Rong 4 commune, Lam Dong province, the Co Ho people maintain their traditional Tho Cam weaving skills. According to elders, the color blue is derived from forest leaves or indigo, red from plants of the amaranth family, and yellow from wild turmeric. These natural dyes have traditionally been used with distinct preparation methods for products like blankets, skirts, shawls, and sashes. While Co Ho Tho Cam colors may not possess the vibrancy of industrial dyes, they are characterized by a calm, natural aesthetic and high durability. "The patterns on Tho Cam reflect how the Co Ho people perceive nature and interact with life, featuring natural phenomena, animals, and familiar objects. The color schemes, combinations, and weaving methods vary by weaver but must adhere to traditional frameworks," shares Nghệ nhân ưu tú (Outstanding Artisan) K'Glòng. His daughter, Ka Gút, also upholds the traditional indigo dyeing techniques passed down from her mother. She extracts dye from indigo leaves found in the forest, steeping them for about three days, and then combines it with other ingredients to achieve the desired hue. This process demands patience, experience, and a refined sensibility. "Hand-dyed colors are not as uniform as industrial products, but they create the unique beauty of Co Ho Tho Cam. Each thread carries the color of plants, the artisan's hands, and inherited experience," Ka Gút explains. Her dedication to this traditional craft stems from a strong desire to continue the work her mother devoted her life to and to prevent the loss of natural dyeing formulas and valuable experience. In the past, all women in the village knew how to grow cotton, spin yarn, dye with forest plants, and weave. Before marriage, they were expected to demonstrate their skill by weaving a beautiful blanket or skirt. For the Co Ho, Tho Cam was not just clothing but a measure of dexterity, diligence, and a source of family pride. With the advancement of modern life, Tho Cam weaving faces numerous challenges. The prevalence of industrial apparel has led many women in mountainous areas to lose the patience required for daily natural dye preparation and weaving. According to Ha Oanh, the village head of Dung K'Noh, while many women in the village still know how to weave Tho Cam, the number of those mastering natural dyeing techniques is decreasing annually. Therefore, the continuation of traditional techniques by artisans like Ka Gút holds immense significance for the preservation of Co Ho cultural heritage. In recent years, Co Ho Tho Cam has gained wider recognition. Inspired by indigenous culture, many designers have incorporated traditional motifs into functional fashion collections. This has helped spread the value of Tho Cam, contributing to the preservation of cultural beauty and creating additional livelihoods for those dedicated to the traditional craft. Source: Nhan Dan