




For generations, the Dao Tien ethnic women in Tam Kim commune have preserved and developed the traditional craft of brocade embroidery and beeswax pattern printing. According to ancient customs, Dao girls must know how to embroider and sew before their wedding to prepare their own wedding attire.
The brocade embroidery products of the local people feature beautiful, delicate patterns with various meanings, reflecting the cultural life and beliefs of the Dao people. For example, multi-pointed stars symbolize the power of nature and the universe. Ancestor motifs, such as single or double dog figures, remind descendants to always remember and respect their ancestors. Eight-petaled flower patterns, also known as rooster comb flowers, appear on the headscarves and skirts of Dao Tien women to pray for good fortune. In addition, there are various patterns of plants, flowers, and animals... associated with the daily life of the Dao people.
The main materials for making brocade textiles are jute and flax fibers, readily available locally. The brocade weaving process is entirely manual, using the skillful and meticulous hands of the women. To create embroidered brocade products, several main steps are involved: growing jute, stripping flax, spinning yarn, weaving fabric, dyeing the fabric, and then embroidering. Embroidered brocade and beeswax-printed patterns are primarily used for making clothing, scarves, and household items such as blankets, baby carriers, pillowcases, and bedspreads. Currently, brocade is also used to make interior decorations, handbags, wall hangings, and small, charming souvenirs. With the potential for tourism development in Cao Bang, the brocade embroidery and beeswax-printed pattern making craft of the Dao Tien ethnic group has many opportunities for development, brand building, finding a wider market for its products, contributing to preserving the traditional cultural identity of the ethnic group, and increasing income for local people.
