Ethnic minority students learn about the gong culture of the Central Highlands through photos showcased at the exhibition titled “Cồng chiêng – Di sản văn hóa đặc sắc của Tây Nguyên” (Gong – Central Highlands’ Cultural Heritage), opening at the Đắk Lắk Museum until November 25. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

ĐẮK LẮK — Around 100 photos telling stories of gong culture in Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands) are being presented to the public at the Museum of Đắk Lắk Province.

The exhibition, titled Cồng Chiêng – Di Sản Văn Hóa Đặc Sắc Của Tây Nguyên (Gong – Central Highlands’ Cultural Heritage), showcases works by members of the province’s Literature and Arts Association over the years.

They highlight the role and mission of the gong in the life of Central Highlands people from the past to present, and how the gong can help connect humans to the supernatural world and each person to the community.

Niê Thanh Mai, the association’s chairwoman, said, “Throughout history, the gong has represented a relationship between human society and the natural world, and an important factor connecting the past, present and future of the community.”

She added that each photo reflects the distinctive characteristics of the gong culture of ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands, as well as their cultural traits.

The gong culture in Tây Nguyên was recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.

The gong is an indispensable element in most rituals, ceremonies and festivals of the community in the Central Highlands. It is believed that it can produce a language that can help people communicate with gods.

The gong also symbolises wealth and health.

Nguyễn Khánh Lịch of Buôn Ma Thuột Ward said the exhibition left a deep impression on him regarding the cultural life of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands. “I’m excited to learn more about the gong cultural space, customs and spiritual life of ethnic groups.”

He hoped that local governments and relevant agencies would take more actions to preserve and promote gong culture, so that future generations would know the unique cultural heritage of the Central Highlands.

The exhibition remains open to the public at the Đắk Lắk Museum in Buôn Ma Thuột Ward until November 25. — VNS