The Crafty Creator of Hanoi: Weaving a Worldwide Web of Vietnamese Conical Hats

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular, has long captivated visitors with its graceful women donning the elegant ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and the iconic non la (conical hat).

Enhancing this timeless depiction of Vietnamese beauty is the talented conical hat maker, Ta Thu Huong, from the quaint village of Chuong, nestled in the serene countryside of Thanh Oai District, just outside Hanoi.

The epitome of Vietnamese elegance: A charming lady in her ao dai and non la. Photo: Hoang Viet Tien/ Chuyen cua Ha Noi Group

Departing from the traditional, rustic non la, artisan Ta Thu Huong has infused new life into this classic accessory with her passion and creativity. By merging the conical hat with Ha Dong silk, she crafts exquisite works of art that not only preserve the village’s artisanal heritage but also serve as distinctive tourist souvenirs.

A Journey of Preserving a Time-Honored Craft

In the gentle warmth of early May, artisan Huong’s modest abode in Chuong Village transforms into an inviting haven for craft enthusiasts. Despite her busy schedule, she warmly welcomes visitors, guiding them through the intricate process of non la creation, from arranging the leaves to tying the brim and stitching them together. Her dedication to the craft village and the intricate details behind the deceptively simple Vietnamese conical hat are evident in her every gesture.

Nurtured in the cradle of traditional hat-making, Huong has had a lifelong fascination with needles and threads. As she grew, not only did she follow in her family’s footsteps, but she also became an ambassador for her village’s creations, showcasing them in fairs, cultural festivals, and tourism promotions both within Vietnam and abroad. Her non la stall invariably stands out for its innovative designs, captivating visitors from near and far.

Artisan Ta Thu Huong imparts her knowledge to children, ensuring the legacy continues. Photo courtesy of the artisan

According to Huong, crafting a non la demands meticulousness, ingenuity, and creativity at every step. From selecting the finest leaves and spathes from Huong Son forest in Ha Tinh Province to bending and tying bamboo loops, spreading the leaves, shaping the brim, adorning it with silk, and drawing motifs—each stitch must be precise and even. Over the years, the Thu Huong brand has become synonymous with durability, finesse, and aesthetic excellence in Chuong village.

Through relentless innovation, the artisan has perfected the Ha Dong silk conical hat model, exuding an elegant charm that has captivated consumers. This model is one of the six designs from the Thu Huong Workshop that has earned a 4-star OCOP (One Commune, One Product) rating. Other sought-after creations include bodhi leaf conical hats, lotus leaf conical hats, raw silk-strapped conical hats, and prop conical hats.

Foreign visitors are intrigued by the traditional craft of Chuong Village, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi.

Offering a diverse range of designs and sizes, Huong also introduces a novel concept: merging painting with traditional craftsmanship. She adorns the hats with 3D paintings of landscapes, the Vietnamese flag, golden stars, portraits of Vietnamese ladies, and more. These one-of-a-kind hats have become coveted souvenirs for international tourists. Presently, the Thu Huong workshop sells 2,000 to 3,000 hats monthly, catering to both the domestic market and exports.

From Conical Hats to Cultural Ambassadors of the Village

Beyond her role as a conical hat maker and trader, Ta Thu Huong is a pioneer in preserving local culture and fostering the local economy. As the Chairwoman of the Thu Huong Rattan and Bamboo Weaving and Conical Hat Cooperative, she collaborates with travel companies to develop community-based tourism. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art of non la making, savor traditional cuisine, and delve into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture.

Artisan Ta Thu Huong’s creations: A harmonious blend of Chuong conical hats and Ha Dong silk.

“We receive dozens of visitors daily, and on weekends, this number surges to 300 to 400,” Huong shared. Her family home has become an iconic destination in Chuong Village, contributing to the allure of Hanoi’s handicraft villages.

Additionally, Huong and her fellow artisans showcase their conical hats both at the local site and through online channels, rekindling an appreciation for these timeless accessories.

With nearly five decades of experience in non la making, the artisan aspires to establish a craft village exhibition space and organize hands-on activities for tourists. She hopes that local authorities will support and invest in the creation of a Craft Village Exhibition Area, including a “conical hat road.” This road would be a convergence of the creations of over 4,000 households in the village, forging a unique cultural symbol for Hanoi’s craft village tourism.

Young visitors explore the art of conical hat making in artisan Ta Thu Huong’s workshop in Chuong Village.

“We are eager to contribute our efforts and products to bring the ‘conical hat road’ to life,” Huong emphasizes, “so that Chuong Village leaves an indelible impression on every visitor.”

With her deft hands and boundless creativity, Ta Thu Huong has ensured that the conical hat transcends borders, introducing Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage to friends worldwide.

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