HoaBinh (VNA) – The northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh is home to two Daoethnic minority groups, namely Dao quan chet and Dao tien, who mainly live inDa Bac, Kim Boi, Cao Phong, Mai Chau, Ky Son and Luong Son districts, and HoaBinh city.

Clothesof the Dao groups are decorated with unique patterns on the background ofindigo colour, with a harmonious combination of accessories like scarves andjewelries. Dao quan chet women boast a special dressing style as their trousersare tightened to their legs.

BanSinh Luong, a prestigious elderly in the Dao quan chet community in Dong Chuahamlet, Thong Nhat commune, Hoa Binh city, said Dao people still wear theirtraditional costume during the Tet festival, weddings and funerals.

Apartfrom shirts and pants, Dao women also put on other accessories such asbrassieres, headscarves, silver necklaces and belts.

Itis noteworthy that Dao quan chet people do not practise weaving and they have tobuy fabric to make clothes. However, they weave belts themselves and embroiderthem with colourful patterns. The art of fabric decoration has been preservedamong the community, and girls have to learn these skills from their mothers,grandmothers, other family members and villagers at a fixed age.  

Daoquan chet women do not wear skirts but pants (Hau) that are made of indigofabric ending below knees and tightened to legs. Pant cuffs are decorated withpatterns and edges are stitched with colourful threads.

Ofnote, Dao quan chet women wrap their calves with xa cap (chay keo) made ofwhite fabric clockwise.

Anotherimportant accessory of Dao quan chet women is the scarf (called Coong pe songin local language), made of three layers of black fabric whose ends are decoratedwith floral patterns, eight-pointed stars and “Longevity” (夀) letter. 

Unlikewomen, Dao men’s costume is simple, comprising shirts (chang lui), trousers(chang hau) and scarves (goong xong) of indigo or black colours.

Topreserve the traditional costume and culture, the provincial People’s Committeehas devised a project on building a centre protecting culture of the Dao quanchet ethnic minority group in Thong Nhat commune in service of community-basedtourism. The project has also helped locals raise their income and livingstandards./.