For years, the traditional longhouse of Mr. Y Kiem Ayun, an ethnic Mnong man living in Le village, Lien Son commune, Lak district, Dak Lak, has been filled with the “breath” of culture, housing hundreds of precious artifacts of the Central Highlands ethnic communities.
Inside the longhouse are rare sounding stones, dozens of gong sets, a large buffalo-hide drum carved from the trunk of a centuries-old tree, a bench stretching over ten meters, many ancient jars, and everyday objects of the ethnic people - all carefully arranged and respectfully preserved.
In addition to collecting artifacts, Mr. Y Kiem Ayun is also a skilled gong performer with deep knowledge of traditional culture. Whenever researchers or tourists visit his home, he eagerly takes on the role of a storyteller and guide, sharing cultural insights with sincerity and pride.
He explained that, according to tradition, the buffalo-hide drum is a sacred object used to convey urgent messages within the village. It must never be taken outside the home and is only played to announce significant family or community events - especially in times of mourning.
Among his collection is the Tang Suk jar, recognizable by its floral motifs and three rope-like rings encircling the body. It is typically used in major family ceremonies, such as health rituals, longevity celebrations, house blessings, or funeral rites. The Yang Mih jar, adorned with flying dragon motifs, is traditionally used in wedding ceremonies and often given as a dowry.
Similarly, the family of H’Vinh Enuol, an Ede woman living in Ea Bong village, Buon Ma Thuot city, carefully preserves numerous cultural relics passed down through generations.
Among their most prized possessions are four kpan (ceremonial benches), including one that stretches 15 meters - an heirloom of great pride for both the family and their entire clan. A traditional buffalo-hide drum sits atop the kpan, and along its length are meticulously arranged bronze gongs, cooking pots, and rare jars.
“This 15-meter-long kpan was handed down from my grandparents. The drum was once exchanged for a strong buffalo and is considered a family heirloom,” H’Vinh shared.
“In the past, our elders often invited shamans to conduct rituals in accordance with our traditional customs. These sacred objects only appeared on important ceremonial occasions. Nowadays, with fewer shamans in the village, these rituals are rarely performed.”
Despite that, these ancestral artifacts remain invaluable treasures - deeply tied to the family's heritage and identity.
“The drum, gongs, bronze pots, and ancient jars have been offered high prices by collectors, but we would never sell them. They are not just heirlooms - they embody the soul and culture of the Ede people,” H’Vinh asserted.
For years, H’Vinh’s family has not only preserved these cultural artifacts but also maintained traditional living practices within the rhythm of modern life. Their longhouse serves not just as a home, but as a living space for cultural expression. During ceremonial days, the kitchen fire is lit, and family members gather to hear stories passed down from elders.
“Even in today’s world, I want my children and grandchildren to understand and take pride in our cultural heritage. Preserving culture means preserving the roots of our village,” she added.
Individuals like Y Kiem Ayun and H’Vinh Enuol quietly protect the cultural treasures within their traditional longhouses. These “treasure troves” are not only physical artifacts - they are living stories, carrying the essence of the Central Highlands’ ethnic minorities through time.
Le Huong
Vietnamnet.vn
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