In 2023, the E De traditional brocade weaving club was established in Drai Hling hamlet, Hoa Xuan Commune (Buon Ma Thuot City), based on the weaving knowledge passed down by elderly women. However, with inadequate display spaces and poor working conditions, and aging members, the club could barely operate and ceased months after its founding. 

Members of the club continued weaving just to fulfill small orders.

Fearing the local brocade craft could vanish, Y Ni Wa Bya, Deputy Chair of Hoa Xuan Commune, resolved to take action to revive this hallmark of E De culture in Drai Hling.

In late 2024, Y Ni mortgaged his family’s land to borrow nearly VND400 million to restore the craft. After securing the loan, Y Ni and his wife built a 100 sq m stilt house on their land in Buor hamlet (Hoa Xuan Commune) for members to work and display brocade products.

Once the house was completed, Y Ni visited households with skilled weavers, sharing his vision and plan to revive the craft, earning their full support.

On March 24, the E De Traditional Brocade Weaving Group of Hoa Xuan Commune was formed with 15 female members from the commune, all trained in the craft by previous generations.

H’Di Ktul, 70, said she learned brocade weaving as a child, crafting blankets, dresses, and more, but low demand meant little income. In 2023, the club’s formation raised hopes, but it soon folded.

When Y Ni and his wife committed to reviving the craft, the community was thrilled and supportive. Though monthly income was uncertain, members worked diligently.

“We weave rough pieces at home and gather at Y Ni’s stilt house on weekends to finish products. Everyone is excited to have a place to preserve the craft our ancestors passed down,” H’Di Ktul said.

Over the last month, some products have been put out by the group, sold at VND250,000-3 million per product.

Y Ni said reviving brocade weaving aims to preserve E De cultural heritage while providing income for elderly women with limited labor capacity. Initially, the group targets the monthly income of VND2-3 million per member, hoping the figure would raise to VND5-6 million in the long term.

Y Ni noted that youth favor modern fashion, sidelining traditional brocade. Securing buyers is critical but tough. Some clients have shown interest, but products must meet standards. 

“In the long term, we’ll keep seeking markets and improving members’ skills to meet client standards. I hope authorities at all levels support this craft, a priceless legacy from our ancestors,” Y Ni said.

Hai Duong