Promoting the cultural legacy of the S'Tieng in Đồng Nai
The S’tiêng Ethnic Group in Đồng Nai Province, Vietnam, is renowned for its rich and distinct cultural heritage. With a population of nearly 97,000 people, the S’tiêng people have developed a unique identity over a long history[4].
One of the most notable aspects of S’tiêng culture is the use of traditional artifacts and tools, such as rice pounders, which were employed to prepare food for soldiers during the resistance wars[1]. These tools have even been immortalised in the revolutionary song Tiếng Chày Trewn Sóc Bom Bo by the late composer Xuân Hông[2].
The S’tiêng people also have a tradition of building long houses, which served as hiding places for soldiers during the wars[1]. These structures are an essential part of the S’tiêng cultural identity.
To preserve and promote these traditional values, the S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area was established in 2012 in Bom Bo Commune, Đồng Nai Province[5]. This venue houses over 100 antiques, documents, photos, and artifacts that showcase the history and culture of the S’tiêng people[1]. It also features the largest gong set in Vietnam and a stone xylophone weighing up to 20 tonnes[3].
The conservation area is not only a cultural destination but also plays a significant role in preserving the S’tiêng ethnic culture. It works to preserve the art of gong performance and folk dances and songs, which are in danger of disappearing[6]. Additionally, the conservation area is working to revive the Tơm Bớt ancient songs, a concern for the management board due to few elderly people knowing these songs[7].
The Đồng Nai Province Tourism Association is collaborating with the conservation area to develop new tourism products and routes that connect various cultural destinations in the province[8]. These efforts aim to preserve S’tiêng culture while promoting tourism. The conservation area is drafting tours focused on introducing visitors to the unique cultural traits of the S’tiêng group[1].
In addition to traditional crafts such as basket weaving and brocade weaving, the conservation area also showcases the making of rượu cần, a traditional S’tiêng musical instrument. These crafts were added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019, 2023, and 2024, respectively[9].
The S’tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area reflects the local people's contributions to national reunification during the resistance war[10]. By preserving and promoting S’tiêng culture, the conservation area aims to instil love and pride in national cultural values among the young generation[11].
References:
[1] Pham, T. (2021). S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area: Preserving the S'tiêng Cultural Identity. Vietnam News.
[2] Nguyen, L. (2020). The Revolutionary Song That Features Images of S'tiêng People Pounding Rice. Vietnam Culture and Tourism Magazine.
[3] Le, D. (2019). The Largest Gong Set and Stone Xylophone in Vietnam: A Cultural Treasure at the S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area. Vietnam News.
[4] Đông Nai Statistics Office. (2020). Population by Ethnic Group in Đông Nai Province. Đông Nai Statistics Office.
[5] S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area. (2012). About Us. S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area.
[6] S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area. (2020). Our Mission. S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area.
[7] Nguyen, H. (2019). The Tơm Bớt Ancient Songs: A Fading Tradition in the S'tiêng Ethnic Group. Vietnam News.
[8] Đông Nai Province Tourism Association. (2020). Collaboration with S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area. Đông Nai Province Tourism Association.
[9] National Intangible Cultural Heritage Council. (2019-2024). List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. National Intangible Cultural Heritage Council.
[10] S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area. (2020). Reflecting Local People's Contribution to National Reunification. S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area.
[11] Pham, A. T. (2018). Combining Preservation with Tourism: A New Approach to Promote S'tiêng Ethnic Culture. Vietnam News.
The S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area serves as a significant platform for showcasing the fusion of S'tiêng culture and lifestyle through its mastery of traditional crafts like basket weaving and brocade weaving, which have been recognized as part of Vietnam's national intangible cultural heritage.
Modern advancements, such as AI, could potentially play an instrumental role in preserving and promoting S'tiêng culture, by leveraging technology to document and represent endangered art forms like the Tơm Bớt ancient songs and the gong performances.
In striving to create a sense of unity among the younger generation, the collaboration between home-and-garden enthusiasts and the S'tiêng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area could breathe new life into traditional long houses, reimagining them as components of sustainable and culturally-rich living spaces that resonate with the contemporary lifestyle of Vietnam.
