 |
| Pass it on: Elderly people have passed on their skills and experience to younger generations. |
Viet Nam News
Trong Dat
Traditional weaving skills of the Khmer ethnic minority group have been handed down at an Embroidery Weaving Co-operative in Van Giao handicraft village, in the southern province of An Giang.
 |
| Hard labour: Mrs Neang Soc Then weaves three traditional long dresses each month and sells them for VND1.2 million (US$52) each. She earns a steady income from the garments. |
 |
| Many uses: Craftspeople weave three layers of silk with three different colours to fashion scarfs, long skirts, paintings and table cloths. |
The co-operative was set up in 2002, aiming to preserve local traditional handicraft. The co-operative’s products range in design, colour and decorative patterns to suit customers in Viet Nam and foreigners.
 |
| Detailed patterns: Products made by Van Giao’s artisans are intricate. |
 |
| Dipping it: The dyeing stage is the most important in the long process of making a complete product. |
The products have also been exported to Cambodia, with which the province shares a 100km border.
 |
| Nice threads: Local cloth is famed for its vibrant colours. |
 |
| Handmade: Threads are carefully dyed and mixed before being woven into items. |
The village now hosts over 70 families keeping the handicrafts alive, with 130 workers, many of whom are experts.
 |
| Bright: Local artisans use natural materials to colour the threads, which make the cloth shiny and smooth. |
Hand-woven embroidery made by locals is treasured by many. — VNS
OVietnam