The Nung An ethnic people in Phuc Sen Commune, Quang Uyen District in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang are famous for their traditional blacksmith craft.
Out of 10 hamlets in the commune, 6 hamlets with 200 households are engaged in the craft. Therefore, when visiting the hamlets, one will see diverse forge tools sold on both sides of the village road while the whole village resounds with the sounds of hammer blows. Besides the normal forge tools, such as bellows, anvils, hammers and water troughs, the Nung An people often build earthen cylinder kilns, about 80cm in height and 60cm in diameter. Thanks to their secret techniques as well as experience, the Nung An people have made many durable and sharp products.
The family of Nong Van Loi in Pac Rang Hamlet, Phuc Sen Commune perform the traditional blacksmith craft.
A peaceful scene in Phuc Sen Commune, Quang Uyen District, Cao Bang Province.
Heating iron in the kiln.
Creating a knife handle.
Knives produced by the Nung An are sharp and durable.
Checking the sharpness of a bush-cutter.
Products of the Nung An people are sold at Quang Uyen Market.
Products of the Nung An people are indispensable utensils in the life of the ethnic people in mountainous areas. |
To promote the development of the traditional craft, the Nung An people often bring their products to sell at Quang Uyen Market and they buy agricultural tools, blacksmith tools and materials. Lately they have started selling their products to other localities in the country.
Story: Huu Tuan - Photos: Dong Bach