VietNamNet Bridge – Cam Ne sedge-mat making village in the central city of Da Nang is very famous for its beautiful and long-lasting products.

Cam Ne is located in Hoa Tien commune, Hoa Vang district, around 14km southwest of Da Nang city. In the past, Cam Ne sedgem mats were used by the Nguyen royal family. Many artisans were honored by the kings. However, only three households in the village maintain the traditional trade at present.

Ms. Phan Thi Dao, 85, one of the several people who still make sedge mats in Cam Ne, said that sedge was purchased from the central province of Binh Dinh. 

Sedges are cleaned and dried under the sunlight until they are completely dried. After that, they are dipped into water for becoming soft before they are used to make mats.
Sedges are dyed in various colors.
Each mat loom is run by two persons. Old people said that this trade originated from Hoang Hoa district of the central province of Thanh Hoa. The trade was imported into Da Nang in the 15th century, by Thanh Hoa immigrants. However, Cam Ne’s sedge mat making trade developed strongly and became well-known under the Nguyen Dynasty.
Mr. Le Cong, 80, said that Cam Ne sedge mats are more durable and thicker than other kinds of mats. Using the mats, users will feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Before going for sale, Cam Ne mats are cleaned and made smooth.
Working hard all day, two workers can produce 2-3 sedge mats/day, earning VND20,000-30,000 ($1-1.5) per person. Thus, they are still poor.
Ms. Dao has pursued this trade since she was a little girl. She now lives in a thatched cottage. Her son gave up this trade to become a building worker. He built a nice house next to his mother’s house.
Mr. Le Cong sits beside sedge mats that are unsalable. The Hoa Tien commune authorities have several times asked the Da Nang government to assist sedge mat makers in order to preserve the traditional trade.

VNE