Ninh Binh strives to bring Kim Son sedge products to global market

The traditional sedge weaving craft of Kim Son district has recently recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage, raising the total number of national intangible heritages in the province to seven.

History of Kim Son sedge weaving craft village

In the 10th reign year of King Minh Mang (1829), Nguyen Cong Tru, an officer in charge of farms, led thousands of poor farmers to encroach the sea and build dykes in the coastal region then called Kim Son.

Kim Son is located in the lower part of the Red River Delta. The sediment accumulation rate in Kim Son is much higher than that of neighboring regions therefore the locality has favorable conditions to grow sedges and paddy and develop the sea-based economy. Since then, Kim Son has changed dramatically and become a famous traditional craft village in the province.

After hundreds of years of sea encroachment, local people have created a vast alluvial ground for planting sedges, a major material for the sedge weaving craft.

Endless efforts to develop traditional craft

Throughout hundreds of years of formation and development, local craftsmen have made endless efforts to develop their traditional craft. Kim Son sedge craft has helped uphold and bring the traditional values of craft products to the international markets.

Sedges in Kim Son are soft, smooth and suitable to make exquisite products, especially sedge mats, hats, and bags, as well as decorating and ornament items.

Nowadays, craftsmen have used modern technologies to make craft products in a bid to prevent mould and prolong lifetime of craft items.

 Right after Kim Son's sedge making craft was recognised as a national intangible heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ninh Binh authorities have continued to enhance the local party committee and administration's leadership on  preserving and developing craft villages; closely combining tourism with craft villages; and renewing mechanisms and policies to mobilize resources and pay more due attention to and honor craftsmen of Kim Son.

Translated by Nguyen Thuy