Photos of more than 60 colourful traditional costumes of various ethnic groups across Vietnam are being displayed on Google Art and Culture platform. (Google screenshot)The exhibition, titled "Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum" byFrench photographer Réhahn Croquevielle, includes vibrant photos showcasingover 60 colourful traditional costumes from various ethnic groups such as Dao,Bo Y, O Du, Phu La, La Hu, Pu Peo, Pa Then, and Si La.
It also features interesting stories and unique artefacts that the authorcollected during his journey throughout Vietnam, discovering the beauty of thecountry and its people.
Information on each photo is provided in Vietnamese, English, and French.Images of 54 ethnic groups living in the regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam,each with distinct characteristics, lifestyles, and customs, are vividlyportrayed, enabling viewers to better appreciate the rich and diverse nationalcultural identity.
In Réhahn's eyes, the North of Vietnam is an area of stunning beauty. Havingtravelled to the most remote parts of the country to photograph the ethnicgroups and learn their traditional songs, he was especially taken with the Si La people in their costumes adorned withsilver coins, which are believed to bring luck.
Réhahn also encountered the Dao, Pu Poo, Kho Mu, and Mong Hoa people,discovering that each has its own language, skills, and traditional attire. Heexpressed that while the northern mountain region might be remote andchallenging to traverse, its captivating landscapes, colours, and contrastshave drawn him back time and again.
The photographer's journeys to the central and southern regions have beenequally intriguing. He mentioned that in many areas, ethnic minorities livewith scant opportunities to interact with foreigners, leading him to work therefor many years.
He revealed that the most memorable encounter for him was likely with the O Du people,the smallest ethnic group in Vietnam, numbering only 376 individuals.
Réhahn's online photo exhibition on the Google Arts & Culture platform alsoallows viewers to appreciate and learn about the indigo dyeing technique of theDao, Nung, Mong, and La Chi.
The dyeing technique imparts the characteristic green colour of the indigoplant and offers a process to create a non-toxic dyeing substance. It alsoencompasses weaving methods that have been handed down through centuries, suchas harvesting hemp and batik design – a traditional handmade fabric withbeeswax motifs using natural dyes. These techniques form an integral part ofthe culture, heritage, and in some instances, the livelihoods of ethnicminorities.
Additionally, the exhibition, accessible athttps://artsandculture.google.com/partner/precious-heritage-art-gallery-museum,showcases and introduces various traditional local occupations, including thecoffee production process of the K'Ho people and organic honey farming by the CoTu.
After his initial exploration of the northern region, he devoted five years toimmerse himself in the diverse, intricate culture and the delicate preservationof the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups.
Born in Normandy, France, Réhahn travelled to over 35 countries before choosingto settle in the ancient town of Hoi An, which he regards as his second home.
Drawn to capturing images of diverse cultures and collecting traditionalcostumes and invaluable artefacts, he chose to renovate an old house from theFrench colonial period in Hoi An. He transformed this dwelling into an artmuseum, dedicated to narrating the stories of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
He also made a profound impression on the hearts of the Vietnamese art-lovingcommunity through portraits in Vietnam, Cuba, and India.
His career was accentuated with the release of a photo book titled "Mosaicof Contrasts" in 2014 in Vietnam, followed by the exhibition "AgelessBeauty" at the Vietnamese Women's Museum./.
VNA
