Unveiling Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic Groups’ Cultural Space through a “Digital Museum”

The exhibition, called “Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum”, showcases a collection of over 60 vibrant photographs taken by French photographer Réhahn Croquevielle. These captivating images feature traditional costumes from different ethnic groups across Vietnam, including Dao, Bo Y, O Du, Phu La, La Hu, Pu Peo, Pa Then, and Si La.

In addition to the stunning visuals, the exhibition also presents interesting stories and unique artifacts that Réhahn collected during his travels throughout Vietnam. Through his photographs, viewers can explore the beauty of the country and its people.

All the information provided for each photograph is available in Vietnamese, English, and French. The exhibition vividly portrays the 54 ethnic groups living in the North, Central, and South regions of Vietnam, each with its own distinct characteristics, lifestyles, and customs. This allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and diverse cultural identity of the nation.

In Réhahn’s eyes, the North of Vietnam is a region of breathtaking beauty. He has journeyed to remote parts of the country to photograph ethnic groups and learn about their traditional songs. Among them, the Si La people and their costumes adorned with silver coins, which are believed to bring luck, particularly caught his attention.

During his travels, Réhahn also encountered the Dao, Pu Poo, Kho Mu, and Mong Hoa people, each with their own unique language, skills, and traditional attire. While the northern mountain region may be challenging to traverse, the captivating landscapes, colors, and contrasts have always drawn him back.

The central and southern regions of Vietnam have also captivated Réhahn during his photographic journeys. He mentioned that in many areas, ethnic minorities have limited opportunities to interact with foreigners, resulting in his extended stays there.

One of Réhahn’s most memorable encounters was with the O Du people, the smallest ethnic group in Vietnam with only 376 individuals.

Beyond the physical exhibition, Réhahn’s works can also be enjoyed online through the Google Arts & Culture platform. One fascinating aspect of his exhibition is the exploration of the indigo dyeing technique used by the Dao, Nung, Mong, and La Chi ethnic groups.

This technique creates the characteristic green color using natural dyes derived from indigo plants. It also involves traditional weaving methods, such as harvesting hemp and utilizing batik design, which utilizes beeswax motifs. These techniques are integral to the culture, heritage, and livelihoods of these ethnic minorities.

The online exhibition, accessible at https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/precious-heritage-art-gallery-museum, also sheds light on various traditional local occupations, such as the coffee production process of the K’Ho people and organic honey farming by the Co Tu.

Réhahn devoted five years to fully immerse himself in the diverse and intricate cultures and the delicate preservation of the ethnic groups’ cultural heritage. Born in Normandy, France, Réhahn has traveled to over 35 countries, but it was the ancient town of Hoi An that resonated with him the most and became his second home.

With a deep passion for capturing diverse cultures and collecting traditional costumes and artifacts, Réhahn renovated an old house from the French colonial period in Hoi An. This transformed dwelling has become an art museum dedicated to portraying the stories of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

Réhahn has left a profound impression on the Vietnamese art-loving community through his portraits taken in Vietnam, Cuba, and India. His career was further highlighted by the release of his photo book titled “Mosaic of Contrasts” in 2014 in Vietnam, followed by the exhibition “Ageless Beauty” at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.