SGGP English Edition- Museum puts on grand show of traditional performances

CULTURE/ART

Friday , Jan 30, 2009, Posted at: 12:33(GMT+7)

Museum puts on grand show of traditional performances

Parents flocked with their children to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi to watch traditional entertainment shows as the museum reopened January 29 after Tet.

'Mua sap,’ or Thai ethnic minority bamboo dancing, being performed as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi opened again after Tet on January 29 (Photo: SGGP)

The performances began at the main door with 'mua sap' (Thai ethnic minority bamboo dancing) in front of the Trong Dong (Kettledrum) House.

Water puppetry and other performances took place inside. There was a display of Dong Ho, a style of painting developed by the majority Kinh in the northern province of Bac Ninh 300 years ago, and 'Bach Nghe Khoi Hai' (a comic show originating during the time of the Hung Kings thousands of years ago, in which performers mimic the tasks performed by farmers, carpenters, and other professionals).

'Mua xoe', (a Thai traditional dance), 'mua khen' (a H’mong ethnic minority dance by men), and 'dan moi' (a flute-like instrument popular among many ethnic groups) were seen in their full glory.

The museum, opened in 1997, showcases the cultural heritages of all 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam with indoor and outdoor displays.

By A. Phuong – Translated by Truong Son