The exhibition “Na Pha - Decorative Art of Thai People in Nghe An” will take place from October 18, 2024 to January 17, 2025 at the Bronze Drum Building, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi).
The exhibition will introduce part of the fabric collection including 190 blankets (na pha), of which 101 artifacts (na pha) have been appraised and granted a Certificate of registration of national relics, antiques and treasures in Decision No. 1195/QDSVHTT dated October 14, 2024.
Dr. Bui Ngoc Quang - Deputy Director in charge of the Museum of Ethnology, said: "We wish to introduce to visitors a collection of textiles and embroidery that reflects the worldview and outlook on life of the Thai people. This is also a collection that is considered by heritage and ethnology experts to be a rare heritage with profound cultural and historical values.
This public-private partnership in culture is also a policy that UNESCO always promotes and encourages. Through it, we want to deepen the love for culture, art and awareness to preserve and promote the cultural heritage values of the Thai people in particular and other ethnic groups in Vietnam and around the world.
In this exhibition, the na pha panels are decorated with many patterns of animals on land and in the water. In addition to being embroidered on the blankets, this type of pattern also appears quite commonly on Thai skirts.
Ms. Vu Thi Lien - Deputy Director of Truc Lam Handicraft Company Limited said: "Starting from the 1990s, we have spent a lot of effort to collect, preserve and maintain this collection. In each blanket, each pattern, is a story about the culture, life and soul of the Thai people.
We believe that through this exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to feel the delicate beauty in each pattern on each na pha panel, and from there appreciate more the values of national culture."
Dr. Vi Van An - Thai Nghe An, former Head of Research - Collection Division of Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, acknowledged that weaving is part of the Thai people's life from eating, dressing, living, religious rituals, and beliefs. Fabrics occupy an important position in the Thai people's life.
Thai women play a key role in raising silkworms and growing cotton to weave fabric. Growing cotton and weaving fabric is a measure of a girl's virtue and virtue.
