VietNamNet Bridge – The Co Tu people in the central province of Quang Nam consider life and death as the same, so tombs of the death are decorated with lively wood statues and utensils of the living.
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Charnel-houses are unique architectural works that contain secrets of
cultural life of the Co Tu people. They are also the cultural
characters of the Co Tu ethnic group in Dong Giang district of Quang Nam
province.
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When the dead are moved from the old to the new charnel-houses, statues
are erected at the new charnel-house to protect the dead and to decorate
the house. In photo: A Co Tu family is preparing to build a
charnel-house.
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Co Tu people think that the life and the death are the same so the dead
can still feel values of beauty. That’s why they place statues in and
decorate charnel houses with items of the living. Charnel houses are
usually built in the forest, where are unpopulated.
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Statues at charnel houses are unique sculptural works that reflect the real life.
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These statues are usually painted by three main colors.
In the past, statues used to be made by rare wood but today they can be made by any kind of wood.
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Belongings of the dead are displayed in charnel houses, for the dead to use in the next world.
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Specific patterns of Co Tu people at a charnel house.
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A wood painting as the fence of a charnel house.
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The life and the hobbies of the dead are reflected through items and statues in charnel houses.
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Statues with different expressions on their faces. |
Compiled by P. Linh
Photo: ANTD