On a cool evening, as a veil of mist drifts across the hills, the deep, warm sounds of gongs rise into the air, echoing through the mountains and forests. Around the flickering fire, K'Ho women in vivid brocade dresses move gracefully in the xoang dance and playing the gongs.
“The gongs are an important part of our traditional culture, handed down to us by our ancestors. Over the years, they have become part of my life. I know quite a few K'Ho gong melodies by heart,” said K'Phen, a member of the Bo Lieng female gong ensemble.
Every movement of the performers, from their elegant steps in the xoang dance circle and gentle shoulder sways to the delicate turn of their wrists as they strike the gongs, radiates grace.
“The women's rhythmic movements give the gong performance a softer hue and more harmonious quality. Their performance has a different timbre from that of a male gong ensemble. I find it very much suiting the matriarchal culture of the K'Ho,” visitor Pham Thi Van shares her impressions.
The Bo Lieng female gong ensemble was established 15 years ago and now has more than 20 members. Six female artisans play the gongs, and the others perform the xoang dance. Village elder and Meritorious Artisan K'Bes, who founded the ensemble, has taught over 200 people to play the gongs over the years.
“I'll continue to teach gong playing to people of different ages. Last year, I taught children in fifth and sixth grade, and adults aged between 30 and 40. When comparing learners of different classes, I find that the female students learn and memorise the gong pieces faster than the others. They are very enthusiastic and hardworking, which makes me very happy. Many times, I stay after class to teach them additional pieces, and they pick them up very quickly. They really deserve praise,” said K'Bes.
Whether performing on a stage or in a more intimate community setting, the Bo Lieng female gong ensemble retains its simplicity and reverence for the gong, a sacred symbol in the K'Ho culture.
“Wherever we perform or compete, we receive a great deal of appreciation from the audience. Together with our brocade costumes, our performances create a deeply feminine impression on the audience. We will teach young girls to play the gongs, starting with those in our own families. We hope that our culture will live on for generations to come,” said K'Phon, a gong performer and folk song singer.
The Bo Lieng female gong ensemble has performed at numerous traditional festivals and major events. They have also been invited to perform at community tourism sites.
Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the General Services Centre of Dinh Van Lam Ha Commune, said, “We have connected tourism services with cultural activities, and visitors have shown great interest in gong performances. This is a way to promote our gong culture while providing performers with additional income and greater motivation to preserve and pass on our traditional heritage.”
