VietNamNet Bridge – An area displaying traditional wooden statues of the Jrai and Bahnar ethnic groups is open to the public in Ốp Village in the central province of Gia Lai as a precede to a traditional Gong Festival that will be held in early November.

Local flavour: Jrai ethnic women pictured beside traditional statues on display in Ốp Village in Gia Lai Province.

The display features 56 statues portraying the daily activities and festivals of two main ethnic groups in Gia Lai, aiming to introduce the cultures of the groups at the upcoming festival.

It is also expected to raise awareness of preserving and promoting traditional handicrafts.

The collection features animals, humans and innate objects.

According to artisan Ksor Hnao from Kep Village, the Jrai wooden carvings are a unique form of arts and traditional culture of the ethnic groups in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

“The traditional statues are used as decorations in communal houses – also known as Rong houses – and funeral houses dedicated to the dead during the Po Thi Festival, an event to bid farewell to the dead, which is also a major festival for both the Bahnar and Jrai peoples in Gia Lai Province,” he said.

The gong festival will be held from November 9-11, and is expected to draw the participation of about 1,200 artisans from five provinces within Vietnam’s Central Highlands. 

Menacing: Jrai traditional statues on display in Ốp Village in Gia Lai Province. — VNA/VNS Photos Hong Diep

Source: VNS