A performance showcases the rich heritage of Then at the event. —  VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE — An exhibition and performance programme featuring the practices of Then by people of the Tày–Thái ethnic language family opened in Vientiane on August 17 on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Việt Nam's August Revolution and National Day (September 2) and the 10th anniversary of the Vientiane Declaration on Reinforcing Cultural Heritage Cooperation in ASEAN (2016–2026).

The programme, jointly organised by the Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups and the Việt Nam Cultural Centre in Lao, aims to promote the value of an intangible cultural heritage of humanity while strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Việt Nam and Laos.

Attending the opening ceremony were Lao Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Phakhanxay Sikhanxay, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyễn Minh Tâm and his spouse, along with representatives of agencies and research institutes of both countries, Vietnamese representative missions in Laos, local residents, and international visitors.

Addressing the event, Tô Thị Thu Trang, Director of the Museum of the Cultures of Việt Nam's Ethnic Groups, said the Then practices by the Tày, Nùng, and Thái ethnic groups in Việt Nam represent a unique folk art form embodying moral values, profound philosophies of life, and community solidarity.

Beyond being rituals, Then harmoniously combines music, lyrics, dance, and traditional handicrafts. The sounds of đàn tính (a traditional musical instrument) and Then melodies convey prayers for favourable weather, bumper crops, and peaceful lives while serving as a bridge connecting people with nature and the past with the present.

On December 12, 2019, the practices of Then by Tày, Nùng and Thái ethnic groups in Việt Nam were inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Officials from Việt Nam and Laos cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition and performance programme featuring the practices of Then by people of the Tày–Thái ethnic language family. —  VNA/VNS Photo

Âu Việt Hưng, Director of the Việt Nam Cultural Centre in Laos, said some cultural values could touch people’s hearts without the need for language. Listening to the Tính lute and simple melodies, Lao people can find echoes of the Baci ceremony and other traditional rituals that have long shaped their spiritual life. These shared humanistic values inspire people to pursue goodness, respect their ancestors, and aspire to a peaceful and prosperous life.

The exhibition features 54 valuable photographs, 119 representative artefacts, and 12 excerpts from distinctive Then rituals. The exhibits are organised around five themes: traditional settlement and farming practices; weaving, brocade and traditional costumes; the cultural story of Then practices; the preservation and promotion of Then singing and Tinh lute traditions; and performances of ancient Then pieces.

Visitors can explore similarities among eight ethnic groups of the Tày–Thái language family in Việt Nam, namely Tày, Thái, Nùng, Lào, Lự, Bố Y, Sán Chay, and Giáy, who mainly reside in valleys in the northeastern and northwestern regions. Their traditions include stilt houses, indigo-dyed brocade weaving, and irrigation systems known as mương, phai, lái, lìn.

Traditional weaving is also displayed, highlighting similarities with Lao brocade weaving traditions.

A highlight of the programme is a series of ancient Then ritual performances by Meritorious Artisan Nguyễn Văn Thọ, the Đồi Hoa Club, and other folk artisans. Through the deep sounds of the Tính lute, rhythmic percussion, and melodious singing, they recreate the spiritual atmosphere of the heritage.

The exhibition and performances will remain open to the public at the Việt Nam Cultural Centre in Vientiane through August 19. — VNA/VNS