Ethnic Groups

The Nung U people in Nam Dan Commune, Xin Man District, Ha Giang Province

The Nung U people are located in the northwest of Viet Nam, in the compound of the huge Tay Con Linh mountain range which borders Nam Dan Commune, Xin Man District, Ha Giang Province. The local people identify themselves as “Nung U” because there is always a small part of their traditional dress tied up at the back, shaping a small graceful bird’s tail. They grow two rice crops a year and plant corn, beans, groundnuts. They also raise cattle, livestocks…for more food source. Life is hard and this area is still considered as one of the 62 districts with highest poverty rate in Viet Nam.

According to tradition, the Nung U people organize many festivals and ceremonies during the year, such as: New Year festival, Grave visiting ceremony, Forest worship ceremony, Stone God worship ceremony… Especially here the wedding ceremony is highly appreciated and prepared long in advance, since their children are grown up. In their opinion, the women play important roles in Nung families, and the more crowded a family is, the wealthier it is.

The traditional costume of the Nung U people is made from hand woven fabric, with indigo color as the main theme, so it is not so striking and eye-catching as compared with some other ethnic groups. However the baby carriers of the Nung U women are real pieces of art. The women spend lots of time and effort in making these baby carriers, this shows their special love to their children. That’s why all the most complicated embroidery skills, techniques and the best patterns of Nung U culture are presented on the baby carriers.

To support the Nung U people in preserving their culture, raising their inner capacity and generating their income, CRAFT LINK is cooperating with Ha Giang Women Union to carry out a Handicraft Development project in Nam Dan Commune, Xin Man District, Ha Giang Province.

For more information, please click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1ccOZZnltkQc8CJ7z4ElMzouvBis2PqDm