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ARTISANS Thai My Village, Ho Chi Minh City 2/9/2013 - 15/9/2013

These are the products done by the villagers

CONTENT 03 CRAFT IMMERSION 04 HO CHI MINH CITY 06 SHOWCASING OF BAMBOO PRODUCTS 08 THAI MY VILLAGE 10 SHOWCASING OF BAMBOO PRODUCTS 12 CONVERSATIONS WITH THE MASTERS

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CRAFT IMMERSION

During the month of September 2013, a group of teaching staff and students from Singapore Polytechnic travelled to Thai My Village, Ho Chi Minh City for a design and craft immersion programme. This adventurous immersion allowed our team to learn and experiment Vietnam’s age-old craft of bamboo weaving. We hope to share our wonderful experience through a series of interviews, photography and the recordings of our experimentation with bamboo weaving in this publication.

This project is part of Learning Express by Singapore Polytechnic International. Learning Express is a multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary programme that addresses local complex problems in complex settings rather than simplified problems in isolation. It involves students in activities that address local needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to the community.

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HO CHI MINH CITY Upon arrival, it was quite unexpected to see that Vietnam was more modernised than what we always visualised it to be. The encounter with the weather was rather hot and humid but never unpleasant.

As we travelled to our hostel, we observed this vast city was filled with more modern buildings amidst the temple and food stalls along the street, and it created a very special and unique feel of an urban area. It is different from what we see in Singapore where the urban areas mostly consist of many high-end hotels and shopping malls.

What caught our attention immediately was the roads and streets burdened with very heavy traffic. We could see more motorcycles than other vehicles. At some parts of the city, lanes were allotted only for motorcycles. In a way, they had good traffic lights system with special countdown to allow vehicles to move. But on the other hand, it can be chaotic because of the heavy flow of traffic. Even with pedestrian crossing, pedestrian had to wriggle their way across as vehicles would still manoeuver pass. It could be a thrill for anyone to experience using the road. There seemed to be a telepathic understanding between the different users.

As the days gone by, we experienced with greater depth the city. Left behind by the French, the colonial presence was felt distinctly in some of the buildings.

These are historical settings to be treasured also for their aesthetic qualities.

Stalls were mainly situated along the street, selling a variety of things ranging from food to clothing to electronic items. The shops were simple but run-down like those in Singapore in the 1960s. Notwithstanding, the street vendors were quite interesting and the food was good. Not so prominent were cafes that were modernized with good interior design. And technically speaking, Ho Chi Minh could be considered as advanced, example WIFI was available with superb connectivity.

Most interestingly were the people. They were friendly, helpful with jovial disposition even though life was simple. They generally wore masks throughout the day to protect themselves from the sun. We observed that the Vietnamese were very determined people who have gone through great hardship throughout the past history of their country. We believe Vietnam will be a great and prosperous nation.

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This is an ordinary weaved basket commonly seen and used in the village.

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The newer double-layered basket serve as a laundry basket. The layering prevents wet and dirty clothes from touching the ground.

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THAI MY VILLAGE The lifestyle in Thai My Village was slow paced an relaxing. The refreshing breeze in the early morning swept by as the daily news broadcast blasted throughout the village at 7am. We enjoyed breakfast together with some casual chatting about our different lives. After devouring the delicious phở (beef noodle) and having some cà phê đá (iced Vietnamese coffee), we started our trip towards our designated houses to interview the Bamboo Weaving Masters.

The morning streets were quiet and peaceful, as villagers cycled past us with their goods like baskets or bamboo strips, cows grazing the grass and the occasional appearance of a vehicle passing by. While walking along the street, we can sometimes see vendors setting up a small makeshift market along the road and start their business by placing their goods on a mat on the ground.

Some of them sold a variety of vegetables; others sold live frogs, eels, and fishes in which they will be butchered on the spot when bought. Passing by some houses, we noticed something common -- seeing the owner sitting inside their house, either watching television or just resting while the children play.

We also noticed dog statues on the gate posts of every house. The Vietnamese students explained that “it is to protect the villagers and ward off evil spirits.”

Upon arriving to the Craft Masters’ houses, we felt really welcomed by the simple, open houses and the villagers’ warm hearty laughter. It was not surprising to see bamboo growing in their backyard, which was either sold to other villagers, or cut down to be made into baskets and screens. We stayed for four hours to watch the Weaving Master weave the bamboo strips and interviewed them about their lives. We found out the villagers were not working or tending stores but instead spending their afternoons weaving bamboo strips and making baskets to earn extra money for their family. At about 5pm in the evening, the Masters’ families gathered to have dinner and we headed back.

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With experimentation, other forms like this cone-like shape were created.

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More interesting shapes like the cylindrical ones can also be found. By covering paper pulp over the bamboo product, other uses can be imagined.

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CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CRAFT MASTERS

Intricate weaving patterns of the bamboo screen have been printed on paper pulps by hand.

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CONVERSATION WITH CRAFT MASTER TRAN

We interviewed Mdm Tran Thi Tuu, 66 who has been in this industry for more than 10 years. With many years of experience,we were glad to hear her speak about her life and views about bamboo weaving.

THE TRADITION OF BAMBOO WEAVING “This tradition started over a 100 years ago, I don’t remember exactly when. Since before Independence day, each village is in charge of each bamboo products.” Master Tuu explains.

From my understanding, bamboo weaving has been around for a very long time. Though many are not specialized in handicraft, these Vietnamese villagers have skilfully learnt the art of Bamboo Weaving and are Bamboo Weaving as a hobby or as a part-time job.

THE MAKING OF THE BAMBOO BASKET Master Tuu grabbed a bunch of bamboo strips, a basket frame and some weaved basket base. Master Tuu and I settled down at her work area and she started to weave while I try to follow along. “I can use the whole bamboo. The top of the bamboo can be used to make a plate basket and the skin of the bamboo to make the frame of the basket. The rest of the bamboo can be used to make another type of basket.” As Master Tuu speaks, her nimble fingers hold a few dangling bamboo strips from the basket base and slot a strip in. It was impressive that she weaves without looking.

“I can make 3 different basket sizes, the first kind can store 8 kg, the second kind can store 16 kg, and the third kind can store 32 kg. I used to make other bamboo weaving product like fan, vase. I use thinner bamboos to make smaller sized baskets

while the thicker ones to make big baskets.” Once Master Tuu was done with one-third of the basket, she fits it onto the basket frame and continues to weave. “The bamboo baskets can be made into different colours by using other colour bamboos, painting it or using chemical varnish.”

PASSION FOR BAMBOO WEAVING “I am very happy to do this job and I can do this job all day because it is a traditional job in this village.”

Master Tuu completed the weaving of the bamboo basket while I am still weaving the bottom half of the basket. She puts it on the ground and admires it while smiling. “I am passionate about weaving baskets. I can do many kinds of bamboo products.

All the members in my family knows how to weave baskets but they do not want to continue this job. Bamboo weaving is a tradition that begins about 100 years ago. When I retire, I believe that there will be another villager continuing the tradition.” The younger generation does not seem to be keen in bamboo weaving as they can earn better in other fields.

“Basket Weaving is my hobby. I weave every day but I take a break during the Lunar New Year festival for 2 weeks, I can weave whenever and wherever I like. I can watch TV and chat with my friends while weaving.” Master Tuu does not see bamboo weaving as a job but as a hobby. She explains that she truly enjoys it very much as she gets to socialise with her friends while weaving and earning extra income along the way. I looked around and realised many old women sat in a group and were happily chattering away while splitting the basket weaving job equally. Bamboo Weaving has become an activity that brings people together.

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PREPARATION OF BAMBOO STRIPS

Step 1: Master Tran cuts some of her self-grown bamboo plants in her backyard.

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Step 2: She begins to splice the bamboo plant into half, then in quarters.

Step 3: She continues by splicing the half cut ones into 3 long strips.

Step 4: She then begins to thin individual strips horizontally into 3 long strips to weave.

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CONVERSATION WITH CRAFT MASTER NGUYET

Mdm Nguyet is currently 60 years old this year.

She works as a farmer and weaves during her free time.

THE LEARNING OF BAMBOO WEAVING “I started learning bamboo weaving 10 years ago. I learned bamboo weaving from my grandparents and elders in my family.

Many generations in my family wove bamboo baskets. It takes me a week to make 100 baskets, if I weave the baskets with 2 or 3 girls, it will take me 2 days.” Master Nguyet explains as she offers me some tea and fruits. “Bamboo weaving is time consuming and sometimes I get hurt from the sharp edges of the bamboo.” It takes a lot of time and dedication to master such a sophisticated skill. I have been trying to learn bamboo weaving for the past few days and it is really difficult and complicated. Master Nguyet’s Bamboo Weaving skill is truly admirable.

THE OUTCOME OF BASKET WEAVING Master Nguyet took me a tour around her work area and showed me the baskets that she has made.

“I sell the baskets that I make to the merchant for 4500 dong each. I also sell 30 bamboo strips at 6000 dongs to local villagers.

If I can make more, I earn more money. First, the merchant will register the quantity of the baskets.

Then they will ask the local villagers to make the baskets. The merchant is in a local residence so it is easy for them to see how many baskets that I have finished in my yard. When I finish 200, they will send a truck to my house to collect it. Though it is tough and the price is

unreasonable, Bamboo Weaving makes me very happy and it has become one of my habits. I feel uncomfortable if I don’t do it.” Bamboo Weaving might not be a very profitable source of income but it has become Master Nguyet’s daily vitamins.

The outcome of Bamboo Weaving is not about the money, but about how fulfilling and joyful it gets.

I think that was what Master Nguyet was trying to tell me.

INTERESTS IN BAMBOO WEAVING As I observed the various Bamboo Weaving houses, I cannot help but noticethat there are not many young Bamboo Weavers. Out of curiosity, I asked Master Nguyet, “Are the younger generation interested in Bamboo Weaving?” Master Nguyet shook her head and said, “No, because after working in the factory they are so tired so they just help me to make a few only. Most weavers are old women and many young women now work in the offices/factories. Bamboo weaving does not earn enough. It is not a problem if the younger generation take over or not. It does not earn enough for a good living.”

Bamboo Weaving does not seem to be a preferred job among the younger generation, as it does not pay well as a main job. The tiring lifestyle of working in offices/factories keeps them away from the heritage of Bamboo Weaving. It made me realise that very often, we spend so much time keeping up with the fast pace society that we neglect our heritage.

Interest then becomes a chore rather than a passion. We should take time out from the busy lifestyle to help preserve the heritage and be part of it.

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The images capture the process of bamboo weaving

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A basket inspired by lamp shade.

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This publication is developed by DESIGN FACILITY.

DESIGN FACILITY is a space of discovery, offering the right setting to be exploration and inquisitive. Structured as research laboratory, the facility seeks to uncover the hidden and latent conditions that characterises our experience of the everyday. It is a space that allows us to look beyond what is present, generating new approaches and methodologies within the field of experience design. The facility is also a platform where projects of interest are incubated and brought towards an application relevant in the industry.

Design facility is part of the Diploma in Experience and Product Design, SP Design School InnoVillage, Singapore Polytechnic 500 Dover Road Singapore 139651 info@designfacility.sg http://www.designfacility.sg

Project lead Winston Chai Course Chair Diploma in Experience and Product Design Head of Design Facility

Publication Designer Edith Ng

Product Photographer Edith Ng

Contributors Bryan Leow Esther Ng Natalie Cheng Melissa Ho Sharon Lee Sean Tan Joshua Goh Darren Tan Alzam Bin Abdul Ghani

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