THE ARTISTIC HERITAGE OF THE GIA RAI THROUGH TRADITIONAL WEAVING AND ITS POTENTIAL IN CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

Abstract

The traditional textiles of the Central Highlands have long been a prominent attraction utilized and promoted to draw tourists. Besides sharing similarities in natural materials, processes of spinning, dyeing, and manual weaving akin to other regions and countries, the brocade of the Gia Rai people in the Central Highlands possesses unique characteristics in terms of color schemes, patterns, and weaving techniques. These elements reflect the cultural origins and historical migration of the Gia Rai people from the Austronesian archipelago to the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The traditional weaving craft in the Central Highlands is currently receiving governmental attention for restoration and development; however, its aesthetic and economic effectiveness remains limited. This paper aims to contribute from the perspective of a researcher versed in both traditional art and contemporary design, with the goal of enhancing the aesthetic appeal and value of Gia Rai brocade products. Utilizing a combination of documentary research, fieldwork, and comparative methods with exemplary cases, the paper affirms the developmental potential of the Gia Rai weaving craft and proposes specific recommendations for advancing this heritage in both the Vietnamese and international markets