EXHIBITION
NÀ PHA - THE ART OF DECORATIVE PATTERNS OF THE TAI PEOPLE IN NGHE AN
This textile collection owned by Truc Lam Handmade One Member Company Limited, consists of 190 quilts (nà pha), with 101 artifacts (nà pha) have been appraised and granted the Certificate of Registration for relics, antiquities and national artifacts under the Decision No. 1195/QĐ-SVHTT.
They were collected in the 1990s from the White Tai (Tay Muong group) in western Nghe An province.
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The Cultural Heritage of Tai Textiles
With an age ranging from 30 to 90 years, this collection is considered one of the rare remaining textile heritage pieces.
The collection not only reflects the worldview and philosophy of the Thai people but also carries historical and cultural significance, especially showcasing the Tai's aesthetic values through their unique and sophisticated use of color and patterns.
Embroidery Technique
In the Tai textile collection, in addition to the prominent main patterns, there are always smaller ones used to fill the empty spaces on the fabric. Most quilts feature a combination of multiple patterns, some of which must be executed using embroidery techniques. Embroidered patterns are not only rich and diverse in shapes and colors but also accommodate both stylized and realistic representation forms. Embroidery offers creative freedom in depicting patterns and allows for flexibility in shaping. As a result, it overcomes the limitations of weaving techniques, which can struggle with creating soft and fluid curves.This embroidery technique particularly excels on skirts, where the realistic, sharp, and vibrant patterns enhance the artistic and aesthetic value of the products.
Meaning of Pattern Motifs
Nà pha is used as a blanket cover, a dowry for brides as a gift when they move to their husband's home, a shawl to keep children warm in winter, and decoration during the New Year celebration...Through meticulous weaving and embroidery techniques, harmonious color combinations, and the use of natural materials, nà pha reflects the distinctive aesthetic characteristics in the textile products of the Tai people in Nghe An.With an age ranging
Beyond animal and plant motifs, Tai quilts and skirts also feature designs related to natural phenomena and objects. These include images of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as representations of lamp stands, gong hangers, and thread spindles (pia). Motifs of natural phenomena reflect the worldview of the people, while object motifs relate to prosperity in daily life and the significant role of women in the craft of weaving.
Motif in Details
The deer ( tô Quang ) is a common motif in Tai textiles, associated with a story about friendship between a poor boy and a deer. The boy cared for and protected the deer from an old butcher. To commemorate this friendship, the Tai incorporated the deer motif into their patterns, symbolized freedom and loyalty.
For Tai people, the elephant ( tô Chọng) is the largest and strongest of all animals living in the forest, known for its extraordinary strength and sense of community, as elephants live and travel in herds displaying solidarity and mutual care.
The tiger (tô Xưa) is considered the most powerful and fierce wild animal in nature by the Tai people, ruling the deep and ancient forests. There are several types of tigers with different sizes and temperaments: deep forest tigers (Xưa cụm), tigers living near rivers or caves (Xua lai), and smaller tigers that hunt smaller prey (Beo). The tiger symbolizes ferocity, often attacking livestock, and its roar shakes the forest.
