After 10 years since the first women's gong team in Gia Lai province was established (in 2014), the entire Gia Lai province has now developed nearly 40 women's gong teams with thousands of Bahnar and Jrai women participating.
The image of women holding gong sticks and drumming in brocade costumes brings new vitality to gongs. Thereby, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the value of the Central Highlands gong heritage .
The Women's Gong Club of Leng village, To Tung commune, Kbang district was born in July 2014 with 60 members. Over the years, the Club has made an impression with its strong but equally flexible and rhythmic gong playing style.
The appearance of the Gong Women's Club brought a big surprise to everyone. Thereby, gradually dispelling the notion that has long been imprinted in the minds of the Bahnar people here, that playing gongs is a man's job, requiring health and strength.
Ms. Dinh Thi Khop - Deputy Head of the Leng Village Women's Gong Club said: "According to the customs of the Bahnar people, women are not allowed to play gongs. But with love and responsibility for our nation's culture, we have worked together to bring new vitality to the gong cultural space, contributing to promoting the nation's cultural heritage. When the village elders allowed women to play the gongs, we were extremely excited and excited."
Although it has only been established for 2 years, the female gong team of Ia Gri village, Chu Dang Ya commune, Chu Pah district has mastered many gong songs. From traditional gong songs to play during grave leaving ceremonies, celebrating new rice... to new gong songs such as: Celebrating the Party, celebrating Spring, praising soldiers, remembering Uncle Ho...
Ms. Leh, from Ia Gri village, raised the gong and tapped a few rhythmic rhythms and said: "Since I was young, although I have mastered the sinus dances passed down from my mother, I still wish to learn to play the gongs like my brothers. me. I often secretly watch my brothers learn to play the gong and then know how to play it without realizing it."
Currently, the gong team of Ia Gri village has gathered nearly 30 people. Among them, there are about 10 women who know how to play gongs. The more I practice, the more strangely attractive the gong becomes.
Not only participating in cultural activities in the community, female gong teams also participate in many cultural events in Gia Lai province. The female artisans demonstrate strength and decisiveness in each gong-beating and drum-dancing movement. The unique performances of gongs recreate the rich spiritual life of the residents living among the majestic Truong Son mountains.
Women's gong teams in Gia Lai have appeared in huge programs and festivals such as "Weekend Gongs - Enjoy and Experience"; Central Highlands Gong Festival in Gia Lai; Cultural Festival of the Provincial Ethnic Groups... Since then, women's gong teams have contributed to promoting the gong heritage, helping people at home and abroad know about the rich identity of the Gia Lai plateau.
“The birth and effective operation of women's gong teams has affirmed the active role of women in preserving and promoting national cultural values. This is a model that contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values , while creating opportunities for ethnic minority women in villages to exchange and learn from each other in life." Ms. Ro Cham H'Hong - Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Gia Lai province shared.
