As the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, the Bac Thai drum-making village in Ha Tinh Province springs to life. With a history spanning over a century, this north-central Vietnam village remains the sole hub for traditional drum production in the region, preserving ancestral craftsmanship.
Nestled in Thach Hoi Commune, Ha Tinh City, Bac Thai Drum Village hums with activity as the sounds of saws, chisels, and drum testing fill the air. The village has earned a reputation as a major producer of drums for both domestic and international markets.
Although Bac Thai is home to several clans, the Bui family exclusively carries forward the drum-making tradition. More than a century ago, a Bui family member brought this craft from Thanh Hoa Province to Bac Thai. Over generations, it evolved into the thriving trade it is today, providing livelihoods and sustaining cultural heritage.
According to Phan Huu Duan, deputy chairman of Thach Hoi Commune, approximately 25 households in the village specialize in drum-making, most of them descendants of the Bui clan. Notable drum-making families include the Bui Dang, Bui Cat, Bui Nghiem, and Bui Can clans, collectively generating an annual income of VND4-5 billion ($157,325-196,657).
Among the artisans, 68-year-old Bui Van Luong stands out as one of the most experienced. With 40 years of drum-making expertise, Luong began learning the craft as a child. After a stint as a mechanic, he returned to his roots in the family trade.
Luong explains that the busiest times for the village are the first and seventh full moons of the lunar year, as well as Tet, due to high demand for festive and ritual drums.
The process of making a drum involves multiple stages: selecting termite-resistant jackfruit wood, sawing, drying cowhide, and assembling the drum. However, sourcing quality wood has become increasingly challenging, forcing artisans to procure it from neighboring provinces.
“It takes about 10 days to complete a large drum, which sells for approximately VND10 million ($393), with raw material costs ranging from VND5-6 million ($196-236),” Luong shares. While skilled artisans like him earn a steady income, few achieve this level of success in the trade.
Nguyen Thi Binh, a 42-year-old artisan, operates a household that produces 20-30 large drums monthly, earning about VND200 million ($7,866) annually. In addition to creating new drums, her family also repairs damaged ones.
Despite the quality and renown of Bac Thai drums, many villagers face difficulties securing consistent orders. Binh notes that her family often has to self-source clients or rely on local agents, limiting their market reach.
Similarly, Luong laments the lack of broader market opportunities. “If there were a larger market, I could double my production,” he says. However, the scarcity of consistent buyers forces him to produce drums only when orders are confirmed, keeping his operation small-scale.
Bac Thai Drum Village exemplifies the resilience of a community striving to preserve its cultural heritage. As Tet nears, the village remains a testament to the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship in the face of modern challenges, keeping the centuries-old drum-making tradition alive for future generations.
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