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Visitors to the Da Lat Flower Festival held in 2004 were strongly impressed by skilful silver bracelets made for engagement ceremonies of Central Highlands Chu Ru ethnic couples.

Since then, silver jewels made by ethnic Chu Ru people such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings have become popular products on the market.

Silver jewels, from generations to generations, are indispensable handicrafts during cultural and social activities performed by the Chu Ru people. To them, silver jewels symbolise their devotion each other as they present a ring or a bracelet during ceremonies. In addition to dowries such cultivable land, gardens, and cattle, Chu Ru people consider rings as an indispensable offering for their children’s weddings. They also give their newborn grandchildren and relatives bracelets to wish them good heath.

The silversmith craft once fell into oblivion due to dropping demand in society. In addition, the Chu Ru people thought that those who wanted to become skilful craftsmen must be carefully chosen and trained for a long period, usually from 15 to 20 years.

Some years ago, authorities at all levels in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, however, shared a view that their silversmith skills needed to be restored and developed. They also promoted silver products made by Chu Ru people in other localities, while authorities in Don Duong district built a showroom for silver craft products in the area.

With a population of about 15,000, the Chu Ru people mostly live in Don Duong and Duc Trong districts in Lam Dong province, while a small number live in two coastal south-central provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan.

The Chu Ru developed agriculture to earn their living. Besides cultivating wet rice, they also practised farming, raising cattle, and developed some traditional handicrafts such as woodwork and metalwork. Most of their products, however, were self-sufficient.

At present, silver engagement bracelets made by the Chu Ru artisans are emerging as unique products for tourists when they visit the resort city of Da Lat, bringing hope for restoration of the traditional trade village in the area.

Source: VNA