Crafting techniques and value of jewelry at Do Hung Museum of Ethnic Jewelry

Vietnam is a place where there is a “specialty” of 54 ethnic groups living together, although the population is only about 97 million people compared to China’s billion-dollar population and their ethnic group number is up to 55 ethnic groups, it can be seen that this creates for the S-shaped land a colorful cultural picture with distinct identities. In which, jewelry plays an important role, not only as a decoration but also as a symbol of social status, cultural beliefs and the quintessential art product of each ethnic group. The Museum of Ethnic Jewelry was established to preserve the values ​​and national identity.

Jewelry making techniques on display at Do Hung Jewelry Museum

Each ethnic group has its own nuances, its own language, but the common origin is Vietnam. The structure of the Vietnamese ethnic group is very interesting. It is a colorful picture that is not easy for other countries to have. And each ethnic group possesses unique jewelry making techniques, passed down through many generations. For example, the jewelry artifacts of the Northwest ethnic group with superior crafting techniques even though the material is only silver, silver alloy, copper alloy. This is a testament to the creativity and artistic quintessence of each ethnic group. And Do Hung Jewelry Museum is where all these priceless jewelry, imbued with national identity, are kept.

– Casting technique: The most common is casting in terracotta molds, then processing and carving sophisticated patterns. For example, Muong people’s jewelry uses silver casting techniques to create delicate floral patterns

– Forging technique: Using a hammer to forge metal into the desired shapes, creating hardness and shine for the jewelry. For example, Tay people’s jewelry uses bronze forging techniques to create unique bracelets and necklaces.

– Engraving and carving techniques: Create patterns and motifs on the surface of jewelry, showing delicate beauty and sophistication. For example, Cham people’s jewelry uses carving techniques on gemstones to create sophisticated pendants and earrings.

– Using natural materials: Wood, bamboo, rattan are woven, combined with other materials to create unique jewelry, close to nature and working life. For example, Dao people’s jewelry uses wood and bamboo to create simple necklaces and bracelets but with a strong cultural imprint.

Quintessential artistic values ​​at Do Hung Jewelry Museum

In all classes of society and the world, jewelry represents the social class and status of the owner and other values ​​beyond financial value. Therefore, the jewelry of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam is not only beautiful in form but also has profound artistic value. Do Hung Jewelry Museum is proud to preserve these values. Each piece of jewelry is the crystallization of the creativity, meticulousness and dedication of the artisan, expressed through:

– Patterns and motifs: Carry spiritual and religious meanings and reflect the cultural life of each ethnic group. For example, dragon and phoenix patterns symbolize power, floral patterns represent prosperity, geometric patterns represent harmony, balance, etc.

– Materials: Rare materials such as gold, silver, and precious stones are used to represent social status, while common materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan represent closeness to nature and working life.

– Color: Jewelry colors often have symbolic meanings, for example, red symbolizes luck, fortune, green symbolizes hope, health, etc.

This shows that the jewelry of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam has its own unique artistic and cultural value, which is not faded by modern trends. This is a special point and needs to be cherished and preserved, and Do Hung Jewelry Museum is committed to carrying out that sacred mission.