June 13, 2022 | 17:44 (GMT+7)
“Do” paper-making craft of Nung ethnic people
PANO – The Nung ethnic minority people live in the Northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam with their livelihood mainly depending on agriculture. Especially, the traditional “Do” (Poonah) paper-making craft has been an important part of the religious life for generations of the Nung people.
Accordingly, Phuc Sen commune (Quang Uyen district, Cao Bang province) is well-known for its “Do” paper-making craft. The Nung people use different natural materials to make paper, mainly Do (Poonah) trees. In order to make traditional Do paper, the Nung have to go through a series of meticulous and complicated steps, which are carried out manually.
From the distant past to the present day, the Nung people have used Do paper to take notes, decorate houses, cover food, and make votive paper offerings.
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A woman of Phuc Sen commune (Quang Uyen district, Cao Bang province) making Do paper |
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Materials for making paper are mixed with clean water and filtered to take out the residue. Then the maker pours the mixture over the paper-making mold. |
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The process of pressing paper. |
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The paper is dried by brushing them onto a wall. Then the maker carefully separates the paper from the wall. |
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Do paper is sold at an upland market. |
Translated by Quynh Oanh