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Te Tieu dry puppetry, formed and developed from the spiritual beliefs of the inhabitants of the Northern Delta region, is a unique cultural heritage, a crystallization of the talent and dedication of many generations of artisans. Originating from sacred customs and the belief in animism, this art form has transcended time, becoming an indispensable part of Vietnamese cultural life. Unlike water puppetry, dry puppetry is performed on a dry stage and preserves over 100 distinctive stories such as Saint Giong fighting the An invaders, Thoat Hoan crawling through a copper pipe, or Thach Sanh slaying the python.
In 2024, as part of the celebrations for the 120th anniversary of the founding of Ha Dong, the Van Phuc Craft Village Culture, Tourism, and Trade Week was organized with the theme "Ha Dong Silk Village - A Convergence of Excellence".
One of the elements that makes puppetry so appealing is the exquisitely carved and colorful puppets. To create these puppets, artisans often choose ash or fig wood – lightweight, durable woods that are easy to carve and do not crack in the tropical climate. Distinguished artisan Pham Cong Bang, head of the Te Tieu ancient puppetry troupe, said: “To make puppets, the artisans of Te Tieu usually choose ash or fig wood. These are lightweight woods, convenient for handheld performances. Fig and ash wood also do not crack and are readily available in rural areas.”
Music also plays a crucial role in puppet shows. The puppet stage utilizes traditional Vietnamese musical instruments such as drums, cymbals, three-stringed lutes, flutes, and zithers to maintain rhythm for the movements and liven up the atmosphere. Folk songs, <i>chèo</i> (traditional Vietnamese opera), and <i>văn</i> (traditional Vietnamese singing) combined with witty and charming dialogue contribute to the vitality and appeal of this art form.
The exhibition space is simple yet captivating to visitors.
At the exhibition, the puppets of the Te Tieu puppet troupe are prominently displayed, showcasing exquisite carving details. Each puppet, from the character Thach Sanh with his strong physique and resolute face to Ly Thong with his cunning and deceitful expression, exudes a distinct personality. Looking at the puppets, visitors can appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship in every detail, from the colorful costumes to the eyes that seem to smile.
In particular, the puppet representing the general, with its magnificent armor and fierce face, made a strong impression with its elaborate details such as the long beard and resolute gaze, breathing life into the artwork and allowing visitors to almost feel the strong spirit and indomitable will that this character represents. Each puppet seemed to be telling its own story, reminding us of the historical and mythological tales that have been intertwined with generations of Vietnamese people.
As a form of folk art that has existed for generations, from the days when it was only performed during village festivals, the presence of puppetry in the Van Phuc Silk Village Cultural Week is clear evidence that traditional values still hold an important place in modern life. The exhibition space conveyed a powerful message: puppets and their stories are not only artistic products but also an integral part of the community's spiritual and cultural life.
In the context of the rise of modern art forms, continuing to preserve and promote this art form is not only to introduce it to tourists but also to foster national pride, especially among the younger generation.
Te Tieu puppetry is a form of folk art that has existed for many generations.
The puppets, though still and silent on display, seem to speak of the resilient spirit and unwavering belief in the positive values that Vietnamese folk art represents. At the Folk Woodblock Exhibition, visitors not only admire wonderful works of art but also gain a deeper understanding of the vibrancy of a heritage, and how ancient stories continue to inspire in contemporary life. These are witnesses to time, a "message" from our ancestors about cherishing and preserving the beautiful aspects of national cultural identity in the modern era.
Please enjoy some more images:
The umbrella-lined street of Van Phuc silk village is as beautiful as Hoi An, right here in Hanoi.
In Van Phuc, tourists not only have the opportunity to shop for authentic Ha Dong silk products.
and get to see the silk production process of the artisans.
Besides the Folk Woodblock Prints exhibition, there are many other cultural and artistic activities and programs here.
The cultural week at Van Phuc silk village attracted many people to experience it, from schoolchildren...
...to foreign tourists
The space has been decorated to welcome visitors who come to explore and learn about the traditional culture of the craft village.
