OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION “NA PHA - THE ART OF DECORATIVE PATTERNS OF THE TAI PEOPLE IN NGHE AN”
On October 18, a press meeting and the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Nà Pha - The Art of Decorative Patterns of the Tai People in Nghe An" were held at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This event was organized by Truc Lam Handmade company in collaboration with the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
In attendance at the ceremony were Mr. Lai Xuan Mon - Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Central Propaganda Department; Mr. Vu Thanh Mai - Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department; Mr. Phan Chi Hieu - President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences; Mr. Ta Quang Dong - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Bui Nhat Quang - Deputy Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, President of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association; Mr. Do Dinh Hong - Director of the Department of Culture and Sports, Hanoi; representatives of Central Ministries and Departments, distinguished guests from various Embassies, Museums, Heritage sites, the Department of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Centers in Hanoi, media agencies, and Truc Lam Company partner guests.


The exhibition features a part of a textile collection of 190 decorative quilts (nà pha), with 101 Truc Lam Handmade One Member Co., Ltd’s property artifacts. These antiques have been appraised and granted the Certificate of Registration under Decision No. 1195/QĐ-SVHTT issued by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports. Truc Lam collected the Nà Pha pieces from the White Thai community in western Nghe An during the 1990s. From 30 to 90 years old, these pieces are a valuable part of the textile heritage, reflecting the Thai people's worldview, philosophy, and cultural significance through their unique colors and patterns.

Mr. Vu Thanh Mai - Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department
giving a speech welcoming the opening ceremony of Nà Pha exhibition.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Vu Thanh Mai, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department, emphasized that the Nà Pha exhibition not only demonstrates a commitment to preserving cultural heritage but also opens opportunities for the public, both domestically and internationally, to get closer to the artistic essence of the Thai ethnic group. He believes this will contribute to promoting the nation's cultural identity to the world while also boosting the development of cultural tourism and the local economy, alongside maintaining traditional values.

Ms. Vu Lien - Deputy Director of Truc Lam Handmade Co., Ltd
Representing Truc Lam Handmade, Ms. Vu Lien expressed, "Since the 1990s, we have dedicated significant effort in gathering, preserving, and safeguarding this collection. Each quilt and pattern narrates a story about the Tai people's culture, life, and spirit. We believe that through this exhibition, the public will have the chance to admire the intricate beauty in every detail of the patterns on each Nà Pha and, thereby, deeply appreciate the cultural values of our nation".

Dr. Vi Van An, Scientific Advisor of the exhibition
Dr. Vi Van An, Scientific Advisor of the exhibition, share, “With intricate weaving and embroidery techniques, harmonious color coordination, and a wide variety of realistic motifs across four main themes (animal figures, plant figures, natural phenomena, and objects), this textile collection not only holds historical, cultural, and aesthetic value but also represents the distinctive features of the textile products created by the Thai people of this region. This exhibition will undoubtedly provide the public and visitors with a more comprehensive understanding of the rare cultural heritage of the Thai people in Nghe An, especially the Tay Muong group".

Mr. Bui Ngoc Quang - Deputy Director in Charge of
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Representative of the organization coordinating the exhibition, Dr. Bui Ngoc Quang, said: “Dr. Bui Ngoc Quang said: “Over the past years, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Truc Lam Company have developed a strong and harmonious partnership, blending cultural, scientific, and service activities to meet the needs and provide an enriching and satisfying experience for visitors. I hope that the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Truc Lam Company will continue to expand and strengthen our collaboration, contributing to further enhancing the reputation of both the Museum and Truc Lam Company in Vietnam and internationally”.
Some pictures at the opening ceremony:

Press meeting before the opening ceremony

Delegates and distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony




Truc Lam Handmade displayed stunning artworks that reflect the skill and dedication of women from mountainous regions in a solemn and culturally rich atmosphere. The decorative patterns are not just designs; they embody the sentiments and identity of the Thai ethnic community in Nghe An, Vietnam.
Exhibition Duration: From October 18, 2024, to March 17, 2025 (Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
Location: Trong Dong Building - Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.