The Muong people account for over 63% of the population in Hoa Binh province. Over the time, the ethnic group has innovated and preserved its rich and diverse folk culture. Within this cultural background, there is a prominent, unique, and deeply humanistic art form known as Mo Muong.
To preserve and
promote the cultural heritage of Mo Muong, Hoa Binh province, in coordination
with other localities, is compiling a national dossier for the art to be
included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent
Safeguarding.
Mo practitioners perform rituals at the Khai ha (going down to the
field) festival of the Muong people in 2023.
Bui Van Rum, a Mo practitioner from Rom Co hamlet, Thuong Coc commune,
Lac Son district, talks about Khot, tools used in Mo Muong performance.
Mo Muong reflects the unique worldview and cosmology of the Muong ethnic group,
containing profound educational significance for the community. It is
associated with folk rituals imbued with sacred elements used in funerals or
ceremonies to wish for the best for the Muong people.
Over the time, Mo Muong has been diminished, and many traditional values of the
art are gradually fading away. Mo Muong in Hoa Binh is undergoing significant
changes, including both new and positive aspects. However, it still holds an
important position in the spiritual life of locals.
Bui Van Noi, a researcher and meritorious artisan from Phong Phu commune, Tan
Lac district, highlighted epic, art, language, moral and spiritual values of Mo
Muong.
Since 2010, the province has taken specific solutions to preserve Mo Muong,
including the establishment of five clubs in Lac Son, Tan Lac, Cao Phong, Yen
Thuy, and Kim Boi districts.
In addition, the title of people's and meritorious artisans conferred to Mo
practitioners has encouraged them to work harder to preserve and promote the
heritage values of the art.
In 2015, Hoa Binh received the sponsorship of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO
Associations for its Mo Muong. One year later, the Ministry of Culture, Sports
and Tourism issued a decision bringing it into the national intangible cultural
heritage list. In 2020, the Prime Minister ordered building a dossier for Mo
Muong to seek the UNESCO recognition.
The provincial People’s Committee issued a plan dated November 25, 2021, on
coordination in building the dossier, and established steering and organising
committees for the work.
Dr. Pham Minh Huong, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Musicology, said the
dossier has been completed and presented to competent authorities in line with
regulations, noting the inclusion is expected to facilitate the preservation
work.
At the 2023 Great National Solidarity Festival in Moi hamlet, Lac Son district’s Thuong Coc commune, Bui Van Binh’s family was among the four exemplary cultural families who were honoured for their contributions. In addition to adhering to the Party's policies and state laws, participating in production and business ventures, and building a warm and happy family environment, Binh has played an active role as the head of the front committee in his residential unit.
The Office of the Hoa Binh Party Committee has issued a conclusion by Nguyen Phi Long, alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, on his working session at Mien Doi commune, Lac Son district, on June 13.
Cao Phong, a district with a population of 47,000 people from the three major ethnic groups of Muong, Kinh and Dao, with the Muong community accounting for 72%, has focused on implementing the Party Central Committee’s Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW on building and developing the culture and people of Vietnam to meet the country’s sustainable development requirements.
Being a commune founded by merging three villages, Dong Mon, An Lac, and Lien Hoa, under Resolution No. 830 of the National Assembly Standing Committee, Thong Nhat in Lac Thuy represents a community where approximately 77% of the population is of Muong ethnic group.
Cultural and sport activities are booming in Cao Sơn commune (Luong Son district), contributing to building a civilised cultural life, strengthening solidarity spirit, and successfully fulfilling local socio-economic development tasks.
Since its establishment, the Chieng Chau brocade weaving cooperative in Mai Chau district has gathered many members, helping to share experience in the traditional craft and enhance weaving skills among local women, helping to build a brand for the cooperative's products.
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