A museum displaying jewellery of all 54 Vietnamese nationalities has been opened in downtown Hồ Chí Minh City, and is poised to captivate domestic and international visitors as a premier cultural destination.

ON SHOW: Exhibits at the Museum of Ethnic Jewellery showcase ornaments from all 54 ethnic groups in Việt Nam. Photo phunuonline.com.vn

Being a private museum established by Đỗ Hùng, an antiquities collector, the Museum of Ethnic Jewellery is part of the Đỗ Hùng Museum system.

The exhibits range from artefacts dating back over 2,500 years to the 20th century, crafted from materials including gold, silver, jade, ivory, amber, tortoiseshell, hornbill beak, agate, glass, pearls, tin and bamboo.

WORN: Jewellery from the Kinh people, the largest ethnic group in Việt Nam. Photo phunuonline.com.vn

Each ethnic group contributes unique cultural elements such as beliefs, rituals, daily life, housing, festivals, cuisine and distinctive arts. These artefacts vividly illustrate the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant diversity of Việt Nam's ethnic communities for international friends.

The museum arranges exhibits according to the geographic regions where these ethnic groups traditionally reside.

DRESS UP: Costumes of the Kinh ethnic group occupy the largest space in the museum.

This thematic approach allows visitors to appreciate similarities and distinctions among ethnic minority groups such as the H'Re, Chơ Ro, Bru-Vân Kiều, Cơ Tu, Gia Rai, Ba Na, Brâu, Giẻ Triêng, and Châu Mạ.

Accompanying the jewellery are traditional costumes of the respective ethnic groups.

This comprehensive display not only preserves cultural heritage but also safeguards the diversity of Việt Nam's cultural identity in the face of global integration.

COLLECTION: A museum visitor admires some of the jewellery on display. Photo phunuonline.com.vn

Đỗ Hùng's acquisition of the jewellery has been a laborious process, involving extensive collection efforts from other collectors and international auctions to bring the artefacts back to Việt Nam.

Experts agree that the ornaments vividly depict the social strata of past millennia, showcasing intricate designs on necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings (some with crowns and hairpins) and traditional costumes adorned with vibrant patterns.

Traditional jewellery and costumes of the Pà Thẻn ethnic group. Photo phunuonline.com.vn

These artefacts not only embody individuality and artistic expression but also serve as reflections of historical epochs, transcending language to communicate the aesthetic beliefs, religious practices and cultural customs of Việt Nam's diverse ethnic groups.

The Museum of Ethnic Jewellery represents a significant cultural milestone, offering a profound journey through Việt Nam's rich and varied heritage.

The museum is open daily from 9am to 10pm at 68 Nguyễn Huệ Street, District 1, HCM City. VNS