The event welcomed researchers, museum staff, 20 skilled Bahnar ethnic artisans from Ngok Bay Commune in Quang Ngai Province - renowned for their expertise in constructing and restoring longhouses - as well as students from the Ha Noi University of Culture and Viet Nam National University - Ha Noi.
Earlier in the month, the group of Bahnar craftsmen undertook the restoration of a communal house located within the museum grounds.
Elder A Ngheh, one of the artisans involved in the project, emphasised the profound significance of the communal house in Bahnar culture. He described it as a central venue for festivals, village meetings, and community bonding—a place that nurtures tradition and fosters solidarity.
During the seminar, experts shared insights into the preservation of communal houses within the museum’s space and discussed broader challenges in conserving traditional folk architecture in today’s context.
Bui Ngoc Quang, Deputy Director of the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology, explained that the museum selected a representative model of a Bahnar communal house from Ngok Bay for reconstruction. This initiative enables the public and visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of the architectural and cultural values embedded in traditional ethnic dwellings.
Preserving communal houses within the museum setting is a strategic conservation effort that helps disseminate knowledge and reinforce national cultural identity. The project also exemplifies collaborative engagement among researchers, artisans, and museum staff in safeguarding Viet Nam’s ethnic heritage.
Ultimately, the seminar underscored the importance of fostering respect and preserving cultural essence amidst the evolving pace of modern life.
