Hanoian artist preserves costume culture of 54 ethnic groups through dolls
Nguyen Hoang Anh of Long Bien district in Hanoi is considered to be the pioneer in creating hundreds of awesome doll models wearing the attire of all 54 of the nation’s ethnic minority groups.
The Hanoian artist begins to create a collection of dolls dressed in the traditional garments of the country’s 54 ethnic groups from 2011.
Hoang Anh shares that he desires to bring Vietnamese culture closer to international friends and make something to show that Vietnamese products are just as unique as foreign dolls.
The artist spends a total of two years travelling through various localities across the country in order to find out about the traditional culture of the 54 different ethnic minority groups.
Hoang Anh pays close attention to the smallest details of each doll, serving to beautify them with small eye-catching accessories.
The work requires both meticulousness and great skill. It takes him several days to complete a single piece of work.
The gorgeous dolls wearing colourful costumes of ethnic minorities are not only impressive souvenirs, but also show the vast diversified nature of Vietnamese culture.
His dolls can amaze anyone at first sight due to their brightly coloured outfits and dazzling jewels.
Crafting their clothes with accompanying accessories such as hats or earrings are some of the most important steps that requires the artist to be meticulous and patient.
So far, Hoang Anh has already created a total of 60 models of female dolls wearing costumes from 45 ethnic minorities.
The artist plans to create male dolls wearing national costumes in the future.
Many dolls wearing the attire of ethnic minority groups are placed in the home of Hanoi’s doll-maker.
Dolls sized either 25cm or 35cm sell for VND3.5 million or VND4 million, respectively.
Hoang Anh states that his dolls are not just souvenirs, but are a bridge in which to connect foreign visitors with Vietnamese culture.
Source: VOV/VTCNews