Hmong dresses flaunt the gentle steps of the girls, the freshness in the embroidered patterns, and the elegance and gentleness of the black indigo color present in everyday outfits. The deep indigo color is typical of the Mong people. The unique indigo dyeing profession has been preserved and passed down through each generation, so that the indigo color remains forever as a symbol, containing the soul of the national culture of the people here. World of Photos introduces readers to indigo-dyed photo reports of the Mong people in Tam Duong district, Lai Chau.
In this village, grandmothers and mothers teach their children and grandchildren so that the traditional profession does not disappear. Especially, costumes made from flax are cool in summer and warm in winter, suitable for people's work, so for many generations, people in the village still like to wear traditional costumes. The hands that dye the cloth with indigo are the inherent beauty of the women in the family.
Today, weaving technology has changed to modernity in the direction of industrial weaving machines, but here the Mong people still love the traditional method of making fabric because it is closely linked to life and living habits, especially since the materials are all-natural and environmentally friendly. The Mong ethnic group is one of the majority ethnic groups in Lai Chau (about 23.51% of the province's population). Most of their costumes are still made by hand, from weaving (from cotton and flax) to dyeing. indigo, embroidered patterns, and sewn into costumes.
After being cut, the indigo tree will be washed, and soaked in water for 3 days to 1 week, until it rots to form a dark blue water, which will meet the requirements for dyeing.
To get a sheet with a deep indigo color that does not fade easily, the dyeing process will have to take place many times. This dyeing cycle can last up to months, and Mong people often dye indigo on sunny days.
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
October 2024
Hanoi