VietNamNet Bridge – In recent years, weaving machines have been playing a bigger role in Dinh Yen traditional mat-making craft village in Lap Vo District, Dong Thap Province though it has long been wellknown for handmade mats.

Mat weaving machines gradually replace manual labor

The village, around 30 kilometers from Sa Dec City, has around 100 years of mat-making history.

Several thousand households in Dinh Yen Commune are still maintaining their traditional craft. However, just some of them are using the manual weaving method.

Most of the local mat makers say machine-made products are more beautiful and diverse in models and that mechanization ensures higher output.

There are few manual weaving looms left in Dinh Yen Mat Village

Meanwhile, a number of families are still upholding the traditional weaving method since it has existed for a hundred years. They say the handmade mats are what has made Dinh Yen Village famous.

Local craftsmen and traders often meet up at Dinh Yen Mat Market for trading from midnight to 3 a.m. every day. Now, the market also features other goods besides mats.

SGT