Many individuals in the Ede ethnic community have turned to social networks as an additional avenue to promote and sell their traditional brocade products, providing them with an extra source of income. One such individual is H Yoi Nie, a 53-year-old who, despite experiencing physical limitations, dedicates her free time to weaving skirts, blouses, and blankets for her customers. Additionally, she has taken on the role of training younger generations, aiming to inspire them to continue the traditional craft of brocade weaving.
H Yoi Nie shared her journey of learning brocade weaving: “I myself didn’t have prior knowledge of brocade weaving, nor was I taught by my mother. However, after attending a vocational training course organized by the government, I acquired various weaving techniques for shirts, skirts, and other items. Now, whenever I receive an order, I am fully capable of producing brocade products. I have also passed down this craft to my children, urging them to uphold our Ede ethnic tradition and ensure it endures throughout younger generations. This cultural heritage is of utmost importance to us.”
H Mion Nie, a teacher at the Wing hamlet’s kindergarten, also began her journey with brocade weaving without any prior knowledge. She developed a passion for the craft while studying at the Vocational Training College for Young Central Highlanders. H Mion emphasizes the importance of further learning and improving her professional qualifications by seeking guidance from experienced craftspeople, stating, “I believe what I learned in school is not sufficient. Thus, I supplement my knowledge and skills by learning from elderly practitioners. I have realized that the more I delve into this traditional craft, the more passionate I become.”
The Knia Hamlet Women’s Association, consisting of 150 members, has embraced the effort to preserve and promote brocade weaving. Among their members, 20 are skilled in this traditional craft. Previously, their products predominantly served local needs and lacked stability in terms of output and revenue generation. However, the association has encouraged its members to innovate patterns and designs while also positioning their products at reasonable prices to attract potential buyers. Leveraging the power of the Internet, they have embraced platforms such as Zalo and Facebook to promote and sell their brocade items, subsequently providing a stable income for the women involved.
H’Yuil Nie, the chairwoman of the Knia Hamlet Women’s Association, actively seeks opportunities to showcase their members’ brocade products. She captures captivating photographs of the products for introduction on social networks and also accommodates filming requests. As a result of their online presence, people from other districts have discovered their products, developed an interest, and made significant purchases.
By preserving the traditional weaving practices of the Ede people in Knia hamlet, the community has made noteworthy contributions to socio-economic development, job creation, and improved living conditions for local residents.
