Legend has it that the horn comb craft in Thuy Ung village (Thuong Tin commune, Hanoi) dates back to the time of King Le Thanh Tong with traces still preserved in the village's ancestor's royal decree from the 16th century.
Born in Thuy Ung craft village with more than 400 years of tradition, veteran Nguyen Van Su (born in 1960) was early attached to the craft and constantly created, breathing life into each handicraft product.
When passion becomes motivation
From a young man following the sacred call of the Fatherland, artisan Nguyen Van Su (born in 1960) enlisted in the army to protect the northern border. That was when he was 19 years old, and his passion for crafting handicrafts just sprouted.
He shared: "Throughout my military service, I have always tried to perform well the tasks of the Fatherland and believe that one day I can return to my hometown to continue my unfinished dream.
After nearly 5 years of serving in the army and completing his duties, in June 1983, he returned to Thuy Ung village, determined to pursue his passion.
The artisan shared that to create a product from horns, the craftsman must go through dozens of meticulous stages. A small comb alone also needs about 30 steps, from boiling, pressing, forming to cutting teeth, polishing. Each stage requires absolute accuracy, because even a small mistake can completely damage the product.
Not stopping at traditional products, Mr. Su also created many new designs such as decorations, fashion accessories or health care products. Among them, elaborate products such as horn-carved night lights require high technology, requiring layers of scales to be separated and elaborately handcrafted.
Each stage of making requires accuracy and meticulousness, requiring time and patience along with finding suitable raw materials.
“We have researched and loved the profession to the point that when we don't have horns, we find ways to replace them with wood to continue working. The important thing is to preserve the profession,” he said.
In particular, the Khue Van Cac model work that once won the First Prize in the 2023 handicraft competition has become an important milestone, affirming the craftsman's skills and enthusiasm. To complete this product, Mr. Su spent up to 6 months of continuous crafting.
Veteran Nguyen Van Su is a special artisan of the village, having received many certificates of merit, certificates of commendation, and certificates from all levels for preserving and developing traditional craft villages and doing good business.
Maintain traditional crafts
To date, artisan Nguyen Van Su has been attached to the traditional craft of the village for more than 50 years. Before the development speed of society and the vortex of food and money, at times, Mr. Su himself witnessed the scene of each person in the village leaving the craft one by one.
There were times when the profession was almost forgotten, but I couldn't give it up. This is a profession left by my ancestors, I have to find every way to keep it," he affirmed.
When asked about the difficulties in the profession, Mr. Su said that finding raw materials brings a significant challenge to the craft village.
Previously, buffalo and cow horns were mainly used from livestock for agricultural production. But now, when domestic supply is scarce, we have to import raw materials from many countries such as Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and even African countries," the artisan shared.
After many years of being attached to the profession, what Mr. Su is concerned about is not only production, but also output for products. According to him, no matter how elaborate a product is made, if it does not reach consumers, it will be difficult to survive for a long time.
To make good products, you must find a way to bring them to the market. If you only keep them indoors, no one will know about them," he shared. Therefore, he always actively participates in fairs and exhibitions organized by the city to introduce products to the general public.
In recent years, the frequent appearance at major events and handicraft fairs has helped the craft village become more widely known. However, deep in the soul of artisans, there is still always a concern about preserving and developing traditional crafts in the face of many challenges of the times.
We want to have more playgrounds and more exhibitions so that craft village products have the opportunity to reach domestic and foreign tourists," he expressed.
What he is concerned about is not profit, but how to make traditional crafts last long. He hopes that more young people will pay attention and continue, so that the values left by their ancestors will not be lost over time.
This profession is not only a livelihood, but also a culture, an identity. If we don't keep it, we will lose it," Mr. Su said, his voice lowered.
