La Chi women spin cotton threads. (Photo: laocaitv.vn)

After finishing their farm work, Ly Thi Huong and other women in Ma Pho hamlet gather to weave fabric and make clothes. Huong hopes that by learning hands-on from experienced women, she will soon be able to grow cotton, weave, and sew traditional La Chi garments.

“We need to document the traditional craft of weaving fabric. If possible, we will take photos and videos of the process for young people to learn,” said Huong. 

La Chi women handcraft every step of the process, from growing and harvesting cotton, to separating the seeds and drying them. Skilled women then spin the cotton into fine, even threads and roll them into small bundles. The threads are then woven into coarse fabric, dyed with indigo, and finally tailored into traditional clothes.

Ly Thi Huong of Ma Pho hamlet, Ban Lien Commune, Lao Cai province (Photo: laocaitv.vn)

Ly Thi Ne is a highly experienced artisan in the craft. Despite her old age, she remains remarkably nimble with every stitch and thread. Ne is passionately passing the craft on to young people.

“My ancestors taught me the craft, now I pass it on to my children. Generation by generation, we will continue to preserve our culture,” said Ne.

La Chi clothing is simple, both men and women wear black garments. Although their costumes are not heavily embroidered, the brocade patterns and motifs are delicate and harmonious. Triangular shapes, dots, lozenge designs, and embroidered lines along the collars and bodices add a soft and graceful touch to women's attire. Each garment reflects the skillfulness of the women and conveys their affection for family members.

“We’ve encouraged young women and the elderly to uphold and pass the craft on to others and preserve the traditional clothes of the La Chi,” Ly Van Tien, head of Ma Pho hamlet, said.

Lao Cai province aims to make the weaving craft of the La Chi a tourist product. (Photo: laocaitv.vn)

Lao Cai has implemented a project to revive the weaving craft of the La Chi, making it an indigenous product to attract tourists.

"We have carefully researched and developed a detailed description of the entire process, using images, documentary films, and written records to serve archival purposes. These documents will support the creation of unique local tourism products," Duong Tuan Nghia, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said.

For generations, the practices of growing cotton, weaving, and tailoring garments have been closely tied to the lives of the La Chi. This cultural heritage is now being shared with visitors, helping locals improve their living conditions.