Textile culture: traditional patterns of the Jarai ethnic group

The Opportunity for Women project ? Promote the textile craftsmanship of ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia by encouraging weavers to structure their activity! To achieve this, our associative brand develops collections in current colors, while preserving the traditional patterns of these ethnic groups, which constitute their precious cultural heritage. Each week, we take you to discover the weavings of a  root people . Follow the guide!

Ethnic group 

The Jarai are a matrilineal ethnic minority in Vietnam. Here, men live with their wives' families. Beliefs and rituals play a central role in their culture . This people is distinguished from the rest of the local population because they have their own language and traditions. Their way of life is based mainly on agriculture. Deforestation is a major problem for them and the cause of their impoverishment, because they live largely thanks to the resources from the forest.

Access to education is difficult for Jarai children because of the high cost of education and the weight of cultural difference. Thus, the weaving represents for Jarai women a springboard towards financial independence and the possibility of sending their children to school.

Women of the ethnic group Jarai weave themselves their traditional dress.

Origin

The Jarai fabrics used to make TrendEthics cushions come from the village of Pleiku in Gia Lai province in central Vietnam.

It is in the village of Pleiku that our Boni collection is woven.

A typical rural house of this region.

History

Jarai weavings from the highlands of Vietnam are known for their highly aesthetic patterns. TrendEthics orders fabrics from the weavers to preserve this little-known know-how, by designing collections of cushions. The aim is to help them develop their catalog to reach a new audience of buyers, with the aim of increasing and stabilizing their income. The profits from sales go back to them: they are paid fairly.

New for 2022: the yellow Pyiu cushion with Jarai patterns.

Meaning

The textile patterns of the Jarai ethnic group are traditionally composed of geometric shapes (stripes, diamonds) in two colors (white and blue). They do not have specific names, but why not have fun giving them some?

What names would you give to these Jarai patterns?

We hope that this article has allowed you to (re)discover Jarai weaving and culture. From now on, you will see your cushion Pyiu with a new eye!

Keywords: Asia, Burma, Cambodia, culture, ethnicity, Laos heritage, patterns, know-how, technique, textile, weaving, Vietnam

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