Quang Tri Province has recently discovered and collected unique ancient clothing. This includes a set of seven garments made from tree bark, dating back hundreds of years.
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The tree bark garment is stored at the Quang Tri Museum. |
Mr. Ho Ta Khu, 70 years old, from Huong Hoa District and the owner of one of the seven garments, shared: “This garment is made from the bark of the Pi tree, a type of upright tree with thick bark that contains a milky white sap, which is quite toxic“.
The Art of Bark Clothing Making
Creating a garment from tree bark is a meticulous process. First, a skilled worker is selected to go into the forest to strip the bark from the Pi tree. The Van Kieu people do not cut down the Pi tree; instead, they use a machete to carve a circular incision around the trunk to loosen the bark, making it easier to peel.
At home, family members prepare a tub of water mixed with various ingredients like sugarcane leaves, lemongrass, and ginger (each ingredient weighing between 1 kg to 2 kg). The bark is then placed in this boiling water and soaked for 10 days to eliminate the toxic sap. After soaking, the Pi bark is left to dry in the dew and sun for seven days and nights. Once dried, the bark is stored in a clean, dry place until the 14th day of the lunar month, when it is ready to be sewn into a garment.
The Ancient Garment of the Van Kieu People
Typically, each bark garment is designed with three parts: two front panels and one back panel. The garment features a round neck and no sleeves. It is sewn together using very thin rattan fibers. The entire garment has only two discreet seams under the armpits. The inside of the garment is smooth due to being polished, while the outside is rough. Although made from tree bark, this clothing is soft, durable, and suitable for winter wear. Both Van Kieu men and women take pride in wearing bark garments.
In the past, the Van Kieu people often used these garments for hunting wild animals, working in the fields, or confronting enemies. Many ethnologists believe that bark clothing is the oldest surviving attire of the Van Kieu people, reflecting their unique creativity in a life closely intertwined with dense forests and rugged mountains.
Only a Few Know How to Sew Bark Garments
Mr. Ho Ta Khu explains that there are many mysteries surrounding the bark garment and expresses his sadness: “Currently, only a few Van Kieu people know the ‘technology’ of making bark clothing. The process of discovering the Pi tree, stripping the bark, and sewing the garment involves a deep emotional investment from the seamstress, which the Van Kieu people consider a spiritual connection to their culture.” Therefore, not just anyone can sew a bark garment. This rarity adds to its uniqueness, as not every ethnic group possesses such craftsmanship.
Mr. Le Duc Tho, Deputy Director of the Quang Tri Museum and a cultural researcher, stated: “Bark clothing is regarded as a source of pride in the artistic attire of the Van Kieu people, representing an authentic reflection of their legendary life amidst the vast Truong Son mountain range. This is a rare and unparalleled garment.”
