Behind the Screen – The Art of Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry
Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that originated in the northern mountainous regions. This unique art form offers a glimpse into the rich traditions of the Tay ethnic minority group.
In contrast with Water Puppetry, this unique traditional art form has been overlooked over the past decade. Let’s explore more about Stick Puppetry with Lua Viet Tours.
A unique Vietnamese art form Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry (Image Source: Internet)
Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry’s Origin
Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry is a unique traditional art form practiced for over 200 years, has been preserved and passed down through generations, particularly in Tham Roc Hamlet in Binh Yen Commune, Thai Nguyen province.
The stick puppetry originated from Thai Nguyen Province (Image Source: Internet)
This form of puppetry is deeply intertwined with the agricultural lifestyle of the Tay people and is often performed during traditional holidays, the Lunar New Year, and the Long Tong festival, which is a ceremony to pray for good weather and a bountiful harvest.
The Creation of Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry
Signified by its land puppetry method, Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry is usually made with squid rope wood, a popular woody plant in mountainous areas, which is both easy to work with and termite-proof.
It is called Stick Puppetry because most puppets are controlled by bamboo sticks attached to the body, head, arms, and legs of the characters, for ease of control and storage. Recently, artisans have replaced bamboo bars with iron or aluminum.
The tools for performing Stick Puppet are very simple, including a backdrop stretched up to act as a stage, a set of about 13 puppets, a lute, and a flute.
The intricate process of creating beautiful puppets (Image Source: Internet)
After choosing materials, shaping by hand, drying, painting, and sewing clothes for the character, the artisans take at least 2-3 days to finish a medium-sized puppet. Nowadays, with passion and advanced assistance in the making process, in other different regions, people have created puppets in more diverse ways.
What makes Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry special
The elements below combine to make Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry a distinctive and cherished cultural tradition that reflects the rich heritage and artistic ingenuity of the Tay people.
Wooden Puppets
The type of wood commonly used to make Tày stick puppets is “Thung Muc” wood with the science name Holarrhena pubescens. This is a type of soft, lightweight wood that is prevalent in mountainous regions. The puppets are intricately carved from wood and painted in vibrant colors to represent various characters, including animals, humans, and mythical creatures.
The process of puppet-making begins with artisans selecting the right type of wood (Image Source: Internet)
Puppets with Sticks
The puppeteers use bamboo sticks attached to the puppets’ bodies, heads, arms, and legs to control their movements. This technique allows for a wide range of motions, bringing the puppets to life with skillful maneuvering. The puppeteers often remain hidden behind a screen, adding an element of mystery and magic to the performance.
Long sticks are used to control the puppets. (Image Source: Internet)
Feast for the Ears
Traditional music plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere of the performances. Instruments such as the đàn bầu (a Vietnamese one-stringed instrument), drums, and bamboo flutes are commonly used. The music not only sets the mood but also interacts with the puppets, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
Local people harmonize for Tay Stick Puppetry performances during special events (Image Source: Internet)
Cultural Significance
The performances often retell traditional folk tales, legends, and historical events, providing a rich cultural experience. Common themes include scenes from daily life, such as farming activities, and expressions of communal desires for favorable weather and abundant harvests. These stories are not only entertaining but also serve to preserve and transmit cultural values and history.
Tay Stick Puppetry is performed during important occasions for the local people. (Image Source: Internet)
The performances are often held during significant cultural events, such as traditional holidays, the Lunar New Year, and the Lồng Tồng festival, which is a ceremony to pray for good weather and a bountiful harvest.
Where to Experience Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry
Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry is primarily found in the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam, where the Tay ethnic minority group resides. Here are some popular locations to experience this traditional art form.
Sapa
Sapa is a popular tourist destination in Northern Vietnam known for its diverse ethnic cultures, including the Tay people. Many hotels, resorts, and cultural centers in Sapa offer regular performances of Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry.
Northern Vietnam Local Villages
Visit local villages in the Tay-speaking regions of northern Vietnam, such as Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, and Bat Xat. Many villages have their puppetry troupes that perform regularly.
Y Tý is one of the places that annually organizes Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry (Image Source: Internet)
Conclusion
The Ethnic Tay Stick Puppetry not only holds a sense of familiarity but is also a great symbol of the past and a tribute to the heroic stories of generations. All combine to create a unique play that attracts viewers. With simple but skillful movements, the puppet shows vividly display the production and daily activities of the people such as farming, and climbing trees.
Contact Lua Viet Tours to customize your trip to Thai Nguyen and experience the Vietnam art!
