CONTRIBUTING TO THE STUDY OF ETHNIC MINORITY CULTURE IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION OF VIETNAM (A CASE STUDY OF THE MATERIAL CULTURE OF THE TAY AND NUNG ETHNIC GROUPS IN BAC SON DISTRICT, LANG SON PROVINCE)

Abstract

The material cultural integration of the Tay and Nung people in Bac Son district, Lang Son province is facing the risk of erosion due to the impacts of economic, social, and external cultural factors. This study aims to clarify the distinctive values of material culture, including housing architecture, traditional clothing, cuisine, and handicrafts, while also identifying challenges and proposing appropriate conservation solutions. Using ethnographic fieldwork, document analysis, and in-depth interviews, the research has gathered crucial data on how these ethnic groups adapt to natural conditions and how their culture has evolved over time. The findings indicate that the housing architecture of the Tay and Nung reflects a deep connection with nature, while traditional clothing and cuisine have largely retained their cultural identity despite the impact of economic development. However, the decline of handicrafts, changes in lifestyle, and the pressures of cultural integration pose significant challenges to the preservation of material culture.