For generations, the Co Tu people have depended on hunting and slash-and-burn agriculture, just as other ethnic minorities in the Truong Son Mountain Range. Tangible and intangible cultural heritage have been developed and existed during their production activities.

The Co Tu ethnic group are mainly living in such mountainous districts as Tay Giang, Dong Giang, Nam Giang in Quang Nam Province, Nam Dong and A Luoi in Thua Thien- Hue Province while some are living  in the western side of the Truong Son Mountain Range in Laos. The Co Tu people in Da Nang is concentrating in Hoa Bac and Hoa Phu villages in Hoa Vang District.

Picture was taken at a Co Tu people Village in Tay Giang District, Quang Nam Province in 2010. Photo: H.X.T

Rich culture identity

Depending on terrain, Co Tu villages are typically designed in a curved layout, with a communal house called Guol which is located in the center of these places.

The Co Tu people often intricately carve and decorate human and animal figures on various wooden structures in their communal houses, with the most familiar image being two buffalo heads carved at the entrance, functioning as a step to enter the house.

During gatherings in their communal house, villagers are often treated to tales passed down from generation to generation. An unique cultural activity of the Co Tu people in these houses is the “noi ly'' and “hat ly”, known as paprăbhma in the Co Tu language.

Passed down orally through generations, “noi ly” and “hat ly” have become an indispensable part of folk art in the Co Tu ethnic group.

The Co Tu people engage in “noi ly” and “hat ly” in various situations, within their social relationships. It could involve negotiations to prepare for a wedding between families of the groom and bride , settling disputes, trading goods, and more.

Typically, the problem is solved through “noi ly” and “hat ly”, it evokes pleasantly joyful moments amongst the villagers, adding a beautiful aspect to the spiritual life of the Co Tu people that needs preservation and promotion.

In the embrace of expansive forests, humanity is humbled, as natural wonders like rain, floods, thunderstorms, and epidemics intensify their reverence for deities like Giang and other spirits. This profound connection has sparked the creation of intricate rituals of worship and vibrant communal festivals.

In the enduring celebration of ethnic minorities, the cultural heritage that has passed down through generations and will continue to do so amid the mountains and forests, lies their invaluable spiritual treasure. It encapsulates their fervent belief in a peaceful and prosperous life for each individual, enriched with the essence of culture, cuisine, customs, the art of gongs and communal dance.

The most significant festival for the Co Tu people is the celebration of the new rice crop, a time for expressing gratitude to Giang and the divine beings, and seeking blessings for the future.

During their major festivals, when the resonant sound of the gong echoes, the villagers gracefully engage in their traditional dance known as "tung tung za za," a harmonious blend of male and female movements.

Leading the dance are village elders, some playing the blowing horn, and others beating Gong and drum. The men showcase their strengths in their dance performance by wielding such weapons as swords, spears, and rattan shields, mimicking combat and hunting actions, embodying a martial spirit.

Meanwhile, women gracefully perform the "za za" dance while their hands place horizontally on their shoulders and their arms form a right-angle upward, along with their hands wide open as if supporting, portraying enduring labour and the struggle for fighting against nature.

In the mountainous areas, the Co Tu people express their dreams and aspirations through traditional folk tunes such as clau-cleng, tnot-nooi, Bo bhoot, and more.

Music remains an integral part of the Co Tu ethnic group, even as they embrace new musical instruments and songs during their cultural exchanges with delta areas, the mountain dwellers manage to preserve their traditional music, as it seems to run deep in their veins through generations.

Currently, the Co Tu people still uphold the craft of brocade weaving, adorning them with intricate patterns using lead-white or white carnelian beads, combined with black and red colors, creating captivating designs like checkered patterns, ya ya patterns, wavy patterns, along with various geometric patterns. These contribute to shaping the unique identity of the Co Tu people.

Arousing pride in national culture

The cultural and economic exchange has made contributions to improving the material and spiritual life of ethnic minorities in Viet Nam, gradually changing some backward practices, reducing slash-and-burn cultivation, and eradicating illiteracy. The resettlement policies have brought practical benefits to ethnic groups.

In Hoa Vang, the Co Tu people have built bungalows in the Vietnamese style, and have built a few Guol houses. However, these houses often incorporate a significant amount of concrete and reinforced steel, deviating from traditional architecture. Traditional items are crafted from terracotta, bamboo, rattan, gourd, have progressively been replaced by modern equivalents such as pots and pans, plastic containers, glass bottles, and more.

Preserving and promoting cultural heritage of  the Co Tu people need to embed their culture in the Vietnamese culture. Revitalizing traditional festivals not only cultivates a renewed sense of pride in cultural roots but also fosters an understanding of the importance of safeguarding ancestral customs while relinquishing antiquated rituals and habits. This approach further promotes a discerning adoption of the cultural essence from other ethnic groups.

In the conservation of their traditional architecture, it is essential to encourage the Co Tu people to apply indigenous knowledge to restore some stilt houses for residence, faithfully adhering to the traditional architecture to serve communal activities. This initiative aims to motivate and assist them in recreating the landscape of the mountainous ethnic villages.

For ethnic minorities, the Gong not only serves as a means of information, broadcasting messages across villages, but it also acts as a communication tool for people to connect with the spiritual world and unite community members during their festivals.

Cultural exchanges and artistic performances provide the opportunity for the Co Tu people to showcase their talents, introduce their art to other ethnicities, as well as encourage them to promote the virtues and beauty in their music and arts.

The art of weaving brocade is a strength of the Co Tu people, so it is crucial to revive and promote this craft for the Co Tu ethnic group in Hoa Vang District, Da Nang.

The Co Tu people village in Hoa Vang District can work with others in Quang Nam such as Do Roon in Dong Giang District, and Zo Ra in Nam Giang District to safeguard their traditional crafts by transmitting craft skills. The intangible cultural heritage needs to be preserved and promoted in the Co Tu ethnic group so that their future generations can understand and take pride in their unique culture.

Preserving, promoting, and passing down the distinctive culture of the Co Tu people through generations will enrich the cultural heritage of the ethnic minorities in Viet Nam and open up new opportunities for promoting the development of eco-tourism in the mountainous areas while preserving cultural heritage of the Co Tu people in Hoa Phu and Hoa Bac villages.

Reporting by HO XUAN TINH - Translating by HOAI TRANG