Traditional paper-making craft of the Nung An people in Cao Bang

Nestled in a green valley at the foot of limestone mountains in Cao Bang province, Dia Tren village preserves a traditional craft deeply rooted in the lives of the Nung An people. Here, handmade paper-making continues through techniques passed down from one generation to another.

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More than a means of production, traditional paper-making is a living part of the community’s cultural heritage. The skills are passed down through observation and hands-on practice, with knowledge and experience preserved within families and shared across the community.

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Pounding the raw materials is an important stage in the paper-making process, requiring considerable time and effort. The plant fibres are beaten until they break down into pulp, ready for the next stage of production.

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Through the craftsperson’s skilled hands, the prepared plant fibres are transformed into pulp that will eventually become sheets of handmade paper, valued for their lightness and natural texture.

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Working without modern machinery, craftpersons on their hands, experience and close attention to the material at every stage. Even movements that appear simple require precision, patience and a keen sense of touch.

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Small variations in the preparation process can affect the thickness and quality of the finished paper. The craftperson must therefore do more than follow established steps: they also draw on experience and careful observation to make the necessary adjustments.

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Gradually, the prepared pulp is transformed into handmade sheets, each bearing the marks of natural materials and the skill of the craftperson.

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The craftsperson spreads the pulp mixture across a frame to form a thin, even layer. Achieving the right thickness requires a steady hand and careful control, as uneven application can affect the quality of the finished sheet.

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Forming the sheets is one of the most delicate stages of traditional paper-making. The pulp must be distributed evenly across the frame, with the artisan relying on technique and experience to achieve a consistent result.

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Rooted in the everyday needs and cultural practices of the community, paper-making has become an integral part of local heritage. Discovering the craft offers visitors an insight into both traditional techniques and the cultural life of the Nung An.

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Once formed, the sheets are removed from the frame and laid out to dry. Careful handling at this stage helps preserve their shape and complete the paper-making process.

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Drying conditions also affect the finished paper. Artisans draw on their experience to judge when and where the sheets should be dried, helping to maintain their quality.

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Handmade paper has long played a role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Nung An community. Traditionally used for writing, preserving family records and carrying out religious rituals, it serves as a link between the living, their ancestors and the beliefs passed down through generations.

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Today, artisans are finding new uses for handmade paper, turning it into products such as notebooks, postcards, paper fans, decorative artworks and souvenirs. These creations bring a traditional material into closer contact with contemporary lifestyles and the tourism market.

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Product innovation and community-based tourism are opening up new opportunities for the traditional craft. Alongside its established uses, handmade paper has become a means of introducing the culture and heritage of the Nung An people to a wider audience.

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Since 2021, the Management Board of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, in collaboration with local authorities, has surveyed and assessed the potential of Dia Tren’s traditional paper-making village. The village has been incorporated into the Geopark’s eastern tourism route, helping present the craft as both a traditional livelihood and a cultural experience for visitors.

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Visitors can try their hand at making paper in the village, gaining first-hand experience of the skills involved. Such activities bring traditional knowledge to life and help visitors connect more closely with the community’s cultural heritage.

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Linking traditional paper-making with community-based tourism creates new opportunities for local residents. By showcasing their products, offering hands-on experiences and sharing the story behind the craft, artisans can diversify their income while strengthening incentives to preserve traditional skills.

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In the valleys of Cao Bang, the tradition of handmade paper lives on through the practiced movements of artisans and the creation of new products. Each sheet carries not only the fruits of their labour but also a legacy of local knowledge and cultural memory, passed down to future generations.