Visitors look at the clothing patterns and looms of the Cham and Khmer people at an exhibition in HCM City. — Photo courtesy cand.com.vn

HCM CITY (VNS) — The patterns used on the traditional costumes of women living in the South and Central Highlands of Viet Nam are on display in HCM City.

Inaugurated on Tuesday, the exhibition showcases more than 150 photos and 80 objects featuring the traditional techniques of weaving, dyeing and patterns that have been passed down through generations of the Cham, Khmer and other ethnic groups in the Central Highlands and Truong Son mountainous regions.

It's hoped that the exhibition will help preserve and promote the cultural values expressed through the costumes of the ethnic women.

The patterns and weaving techniques are different among each group. For example, the Ta Oi and Co Tu people are fond of using glass beads to form geometric shapes, while the patterns on the clothing of the E De, Gia Lai, Stieng and K'Ho people are often made with coloured threads.

The exhibition will run till February 1 next year at the Southern Women's Museum, 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, HCM City.

The museum's Director Nguyen Thi Tham said that the making of a piece of beautiful cloth with unique decorations is the result of skilled hands and the creativity of women weavers.

She noted that the patterns are inspired by the living environment, daily activities and the religious practices of the local weavers. — VNS