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| A foreign tourist poses for photos with a conical hat in a village craft festival in Hanoi__Photo: VNA |
The conical hats of Chuong Village are not only practical items but also works of art, meticulously painted and adorned with intricate patterns. They have gained recognition as diplomatic products of Vietnam and have been showcased at various celebration.
Nestled by the serene banks of the Day River in Hanoi’s rural district of Thanh Oai, Chuong Village boasts of being a hub of the age-old craft of making conical hats.
The village's allure of rural life has captivated both local and international tourists wishing to immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience.
The leaf conical hat, or non la in Vietnamese, has transcended its utilitarian purpose to become an emblematic symbol of Vietnamese culture.
For centuries, it has epitomized the essence of Vietnamese women and the rustic charm of the countryside, reflecting the grace, resilience, and unwavering dedication of these women. Beyond its practicality in shielding against the sun and rain, the hat exudes an inherent elegance, enhancing the beauty of those who wear it.
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| Chuong conical hats are shown in many fairs at home and abroad__Photo: VNA |
Among the multiple places known for making conical hats in northern Vietnam, Chuong Village is the most renowned. It has upheld its reputation for over three centuries. Today, it not only produces ordinary conical hats but has diversified its offerings to include other distinctive variations such as non ba tam (round hats with strap tassels) and non thung (basket-shaped hats) that are mainly used for decoration and in art shows.
Chuong Village's conical hats fetch an average price ranging from VND 50,000 to VND 100,000 per piece, depending on their intricacy and style. These hats have earned acclaim for their robust craftsmanship as well as their aesthetic appeal. Family workshops in the village turn out thousands of hats each day, meeting domestic and export demands.
“Every month, I export about 10,000 conical hats to foreign countries such as England, Germany, South Korea, Russia, China, Laos and Cambodia,” master artisan Ta Thu Huong told Việt Nam News.
To achieve such remarkable numbers, Huong continuously innovates, creating unique designs to cater to the discerning tastes of her customers. She skillfully combines materials like cotton cloth, straw, or other fabrics, adorning the hats with lotus flower patterns or other whimsical decorations.
Some hats are even decorated with images of famed Vietnamese scenic spots or verses, sewn meticulously between layers of leaves.
"As conical hats embody the beauty of Vietnamese women, I tirelessly participate in fairs both at home and abroad to introduce Vietnamese craftsmanship to the world. I take immense pride in preserving the soul and fire of our beloved Chuong Village," Huong said.
Huong was born into a hat-making family, and she has been immersed in the craft since the tender age of eight. At 18, she received her first export order, the beginning of her illustrious journey.
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| Women are sewing conical hats by hand__Photo: VNA |
The key material for crafting these hats is lui leaves, sourced from the central province of Ha Tinh. Fresh leaves, initially green and weighty, are sun-dried three times to evaporate any lingering moisture, to become delicate, lightweight white leaves. They have to undergo other working steps including ironing before being sewn by hand on the hat frames, which are made of bamboo.
Hương boasts six products that have earned the prestigious 4-star OCOP (One Commune One [Speciality] Product) certification.
However, among her varied assortments, the silk hats stand out as truly unique. Blending the traditional conical hat with the soft, graceful allure of vibrant Ha Dong silk cloth, these hats become a harmonious fusion of heritage and elegance, capturing the essence of old-world charm with a contemporary twist.
The conical hats of Chuong Village are not only practical items but also works of art, meticulously painted and adorned with intricate patterns. They have gained recognition as diplomatic products of Vietnam and have been showcased at various celebrations. At the 2006 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference held in Vietnam, Huong created a record conical hat measuring 3.6m in diameter and 1.8m in height.
Mai Thi Xinh, 62, has dedicated 50 years of her life to making conical hats.
“Making hats is quite a feat. It takes about five hours to complete a piece. However, I am very proud of the traditional craft of my village; it helps me love my homeland more," Xinh said.
Xinh also highlights the importance of continuously improving and beautifying designs for exports. In the past, the villagers only made plain hats, but now they produce silk hats, painted hats, and embroidered hats, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the Chuong craftspeople.
The artisans of Chuong Village have collaborated with tour operators, schools, and universities to attract visitors to the village to contribute to the local economy.
“The Chuong conical hat brand has received recognition from Hanoi city authorities, and artisans of the village have garnered attention from various organizations. They have been invited to do work demonstration in some foreign countries and major festivals, contributing to the promotion of Chuong conical hats,” Hung said.
The legacy of conical hat making continues to thrive, captivating hearts near and far. This humble craft not only preserves the cultural identity of Vietnam but also showcases the resilience, ingenuity, and artistic finesse of its people. Within each meticulously crafted conical hat lies the story of a nation, a testament to the enduring beauty that weaves together tradition and innovation, connecting generations in an unbreakable bond.- (VNS/VLLF)
