An old story tells that in Kon Trang village (a village with many reeds) in DakUi region, there was a man and woman who loved each other, did something wrong, and were punished by the village. They were embarrassed, so they invited each other to flat land, near streams and lush green trees to live and establish a village. That village was named KonTrangLongLoi. Kon Trang is the name of the old village, and LongLoi, exactly "Longloi", Ro Ngao language (a branch of the BaNa ethnic group) means better, more beautiful. The name of the village is also the wish of the ancients, hoping that the new village will have a better life than the old place.
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| Artist A Thuih (far left), artisan Y Nhuih (far right). |
The beginning of establishing the village was not very good, but after many years of hardship and hardship, generations of Kon Trang Long Loi villagers have united as one, joining hands to contribute to overcoming difficulties and hardships, building a new life. live a prosperous, peaceful life. In particular, it is a land rich in cultural tradition, many classes of artisans were born and grew up here. The next generation of people continues the previous generation, diligently practicing and learning, so that cultural beauty is constantly passed down from generation to generation. Gongs, instruments, drums, folk songs... have become indispensable spiritual dishes in community life.
In 2015, in the first batch of state conferred the title of Meritorious Artisan, Kon Trang Long Loi had 4 artisans receiving this honor. The first honor must go to the outstanding artisan A Thiuh, born in 1930, currently one of the few oldest artisans in DakHa district and KonTum province. Old age, weak health, in recent years, old A Thiuh can no longer walk, but his entire life of frugality and dedication to traditional culture in general and folk music in particular has been devoted to the community, greatly appreciated by the villagers. Many generations of children and grandchildren in the village were taught by the elders how to play gongs and folk music. Among them, his younger brother A Thuih is also an excellent artisan.
Artist A Thuih is 58 years old this year. Born and raised in a family with parents and siblings who are all good at gongs, flutes, instruments, and folk songs; Since he was a child, he also lived in the joyful and festive atmosphere of the village, so the music and lyrics have penetrated into Mr. A Thuih's soul without realizing it.
I love and practice enthusiastically, so from popular gong songs to worship fields, celebrate new homes, cry at death funerals, pray for healing, play at weddings... to difficult gong songs that require high technical skills such as The ceremony of eating buffalo, celebrating new rice, worshiping water drops, celebrating a new communal house... Mr. A Thuih is all proficient. Proficient in performing and teaching gongs to the youth in the village, later, Mr. A Thuih also Learn, craft, and use the ting ning, klong put, and brong ot instruments. In recent years, he has played the role of "conductor" in organizing local folk cultural activities, and also orchestrated and arranged programs for the Kon Trang Long Loi artisan team to participate in events. culture in the province and district.
Along with outstanding artisans A Thiuh and A Thuih who are good at gongs and traditional musical instruments, Kon Trang Long Loi village also has two outstanding female artisans recognized for their contributions in folk dance. This year, at the age of 57, Ms. Y Nhuih has had nearly 50 years of experience working with the sinuses. The sinuses seemed to be in her breath. Just listening to the sound of gongs, ting ning, and banging sounds, it's impossible not to dance. Dancing is not difficult, but not everyone can do it well and teach their daughters and nieces to dance beautifully and love it like Ms. Y Nhuih.
At Long Loi now, the class of girls like Y OLa (28 years old), Y Gai (22 years old), Y Lus (17 years old)... have formed the traditional "standard" sinus formation, along with the gong team. Youth gongs are equally proficient, introducing the beauty imbued with the national identity of the ancient Ro Ngao people.
Making a busy living, every family is busy farming, gardening, cultivating rubber and coffee to reduce poverty and stabilize life, but currently, Kon Trang Long Loi is still one of the ethnic residential areas. The province's minorities strive to maintain teaching gongs and sinuses to young people and regularly organize traditional cultural activities in community activities. Proud to have many excellent artisans, the villagers try their best to preserve and promote the national cultural identity, joining hands to build a prosperous and happy life./.
