The mat is closely tied to the daily lives and activities of local people through generations. (Photo: VNA)
In the mat weaving production, the most strenuous stage is harvesting sedge in the fields, usually taking place from 2 to 3 a.m. (Photo: VNA)
Residents of Phu Tan village harvesting sedge early in the morning. (Photo: VNA)
Villagers stacking sedge into bundles for easier transportation. (Photo: VNA)
For mat weaving, raw materials are crucial so locals must select carefully by choosing medium-sized, straight sedge stalks. (Photo: VNA)
Some households in Phu Tan have switched to using mat weaving machines instead of manual weaving, which has brought higher economic efficiency. (Photo: VNA)
Sedge fibers must be evenly dipped into boiling dye baths to maintain vibrant colors for a longer time. (Photo: VNA)
Artisans meticulously tie white threads around the edges of the mats. (Photo: VNA)
Inspecting the finished mats before selling. (Photo: VNA)
Exploring Phu Tan mat weaving village in Dak Lak province
The mats from Phu Tan village are durable and skillfully woven by the talented hands of artisans, preserving the unique traditional cultural beauty of the O Loan region in Dak Lak province. This traditional mat weaving craft, which has an over a century history, not only provides livelihoods but also serves as a cultural heritage, the “soul of the countryside” for the local people.
