Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

We took a taxi to the Museum of Ethnology today. Vietnam is made up of 54 ethnic groups. Of those 87% are "Viet" or "Kinh". The museum exhibited the unique artistic, spiritual and crafting traditions and customs of the largest ethnic groups. They included Muong, Black Thai, White Thai and Hmong. We were a little overwhelmed with the detailed information and found the temporary exhibit the most interesting. This exhibit displayed the "Bao Cap" aka "subsidy economy" from 1975-1986. This time was known as
a very difficult time when almost all commoditites were distributed to the people through a system of state trade. One was issued coupons or foodstuff books based on the rank of that citizen.

Phan Dang Uy used this bicycle between 1985-1997 to carry up to 800 fishnets at a time to fishermen along the Red River (Hong Song) Delta.

Chuong villagers (NW Vietnam) are famous for making the conical hat. It is made of dried green Latania leaves stitched to 16 bamboo hoops of varying sizes. We watched a video of a woman making this hat and it was amazing to watch her hand stitch with such speed and accuracy.

Entry to the Ede Longhouse that disappeared rapidly after the 1980's.

Bahnar communal house, the symbol of male power.

Bronze statue outside what appeared to be a replica of a village schoolhouse