Nhà Truyền thống

From the heart of Vietnam’s Quang Ngai and Quang Nam provinces, the Cor people brought their unique architectural tradition to Hanoi. Here at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, within the Cultural Village of Ethnic Groups of Vietnam Museum, stand reconstructed traditional Cor long houses, known as Nhà Truyền thống. These structures offer a captivating glimpse into the Cor people’s way of life. Originally, multiple families would share a single Nhà Truyền thống, each occupying a designated space. Today, these rebuilt houses in Hanoi continue to embody the spirit of communal living. The long houses themselves are impressive, stretching 50 to 70 meters, with a distinctive rectangular shape. Two main entrances, one at each end, and two staircases, front and back, provide access to the elevated living space. Additional side entrances, also with smaller staircases, further enhance accessibility. The front entrance welcomes guests and serves as the primary entry and exit point. The rear entrance leads to where daily chores like fetching water, cooking, and tending to livestock took place. The front porch of the Nhà Truyền thống provides a space for children to play, elders to relax, and residents to enjoy the surrounding views. The main hall, extending from the front to the back entrance, creates a sense of spaciousness and facilitates easy movement within the house. Running along the side of the house is the *gul*, a common area for the entire village. Individual family living quarters, known as *tum*, branch off from this central hallway. Each *tum* includes a dedicated kitchen area, providing families with a private space for their daily activities. One of the most striking features within the Nhà Truyền thống is the intricate display of *gu*, traditional Cor gongs. The *gu bla*, a particularly significant type of gong, holds a central position within the house, often adorned with elaborate decorations and symbolic motifs. It serves as a focal point for ceremonies and celebrations, with villagers gathering around it for special occasions. The *gu bla* is so revered that offerings are often placed beneath it to honor the spirits. During festivals, such as the buffalo sacrifice ceremony held after the autumn harvest, the Cor people create a vibrant array of *gu* to decorate their homes. The *gu* are not merely decorative; they are also integral to Cor musical traditions, with skilled musicians playing them during communal gatherings and ceremonies. The reconstructed Nhà Truyền thống here in Hanoi also showcases a magnificent *cay nep phuong*, a type of water fountain unique to Cor culture. This intricately carved wooden structure, with water flowing down from a container adorned with a bird motif, represents the pinnacle of Cor artistic expression. This artistic tradition is so significant that a Cor *cay nep phuong* was featured at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and won acclaim at a national competition. These architectural wonders and cultural artifacts enrich Vietnam’s tapestry of ethnic traditions. The Nhà Truyền thống, with its *gu bla* and *cay nep phuong*, stands as a testament to the Cor people’s artistry and cultural heritage. These elements were even recognized in 2014, when they were added to the national list of intangible cultural heritage.