Discover Vietnam’s 54+ Ethnicities - Central Vietnam I
Learn about diverse ethnic groups currently living in Central Vietnam. Part 1 of our 2-part series.
The Ro Mam by RéhahnPrecious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
Over the course of nearly a decade, the French photographer Réhahn researched and photo-documented all 54 official ethnic minorities in Vietnam, with the hope of increasing the public’s understanding of tribal culture in the country.
The Co Tu by RéhahnPrecious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
The final collection of full-color portraits of tribal members in their traditional garments, alongside artifacts, heritage crafts, and stories is on display in the Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An, Vietnam.
The Bru Van Kieu by RéhahnPrecious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
CENTRAL VIETNAM
In this virtual exhibit, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Brau, Ro Mam, Cor, Bru Van Kieu, Ta Oi, & Ba Na ethnic groups.
The Brau traditionally wear heavy jewelry made from wood or ivory that strains their ears to create long-hanging earlobes.
The Ro Mam by RéhahnPrecious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
One of the 12 remaining white Ro Mam wardrobe ensembles is on display in the Precious Heritage Museum.
The tribal dress is made up of a bright blue skirt and a necklace made of tiny beads.
Bru Van Kieu women usually only wear their traditional skirts, which they buy in Laos. The top is no longer worn due to the cost.
Only one of them, the Kan Tua people, still knows their weaving technique, called zeng, in which tiny glass beads are inlaid in brocade.
The Bahnar by RéhahnPrecious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
Typically built in the village center, they have tall columns, which suspend them 2 meters off of the ground to protect them from tigers.
The Co Tu by RéhahnPrecious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
The Precious Heritage Museum
Read more about Vietnam's diverse tribal cultures in the series "Discover Vietnam's Ethnicities - Northern Vietnam" and "Southern Vietnam."
Text by Réhahn with Molly Headley
