Preserving and spreading the culture of S’tieng people

If one has the opportunity to visit Bu Mon hamlet, Bu Dang commune, and asks about Village Elder Dieu Do, there is hardly anyone who does not know him. He is among the S’tieng village elders in Dong Nai who have devoted great effort to preserving, safeguarding, and promoting the cultural values of their community.

Village Elder Dieu Do (far right, Bu Mon hamlet, Bu Dang commune) shows Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Toi the sacred totem of the S’tieng people in Dong Nai - the feather of the po ling bird (crow-billed drongo). Photo: My Ny

At the age of 106 – an age rarely seen – Village Elder Dieu Do remains lucid and robust, quietly preserving the cultural treasures passed down through generations of the S’tieng people.

The treasured heritage of the village elder

Stepping into the village elder’s longhouse, one immediately notices the time-worn artifacts neatly arranged from the earthen floor to the walls and roof beams. Among them are a set of gongs that have accompanied him through dozens of farming seasons; the buffalo horns hung close to the hearth, associated with the S’tieng New Rice festivals; precious jars; and an ancient xa lung set that he has safeguarded for nearly a century.

Village Elder Dieu Do recounts slowly that each artifact carries not only material value but also the spiritual essence of the S’tieng people. In the past, the sound of gongs called upon the deities, announced joyful news, and connected hamlets. Buffalo horns served as “tokens” affirming the host’s status and prestige within the community. Even during difficult times, he refused to sell the treasures that had accompanied him throughout his life.

After sharing many stories, Village Elder Dieu Do opens a small bamboo tube sealed at both ends and carefully takes out a sacred object rarely seen by outsiders: a jet-black, two-pronged tail feather of the po ling bird (crow-billed drongo), longer than a hand span. For him and his family, this object was left by his father, and it is always displayed in the most sacred place. No one is permitted to touch it casually.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Toi, Head of the Dong Nai Branch of the Viet Nam Folk Arts Association, the po ling bird is small yet resilient. In the S’tieng folk belief, wherever the bird appears, it signifies fertile land, sweet fruits, and a peaceful life. Its image – bravely confronting larger predators in self-defense, singing in a clear voice and moving with agility – has become a symbol of the community’s endurance and indomitable spirit.

“The S’tieng people regard the po ling bird as friendly and often attach its tail feathers to baskets, weapons, or tools as a sign of power and prestige. Village Elder Dieu Do has kept this tail feather since his youth; only those who truly cherish culture are allowed to see it. Seeing Village Elder Dieu Do’s po ling feather helps us understand why Village Elder Nam Noi of the Choro people, also treasured such sacred objects, insisting on placing a pair of drongo tail feathers on the gate of the Choro longhouse in Ly Lich commune as a way to affirm spiritual belief and community identity,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Toi shared.

Inspiring the younger generation

Beyond being the artifact keeper, Village Elder Dieu Do serves as a “living archive” of S’tieng customs and traditions. Despite his age, he remembers clearly every gong rhythm, the festival rituals, epic tales, customary laws and indigenous knowledge passed down through generations.

At 106, the village elder rarely speaks about himself. What he often emphasizes is how to ensure that younger generations do not forget the beautiful traditional customs of their ethnic group amid the pace of modern life. For that reason, many years ago, he mobilized local residents to establish a S’tieng Cultural Club in the area, where participants learn gong performance, listen to epic storytelling, and practice weaving, basket making, and brewing ruou can (a type of wine stored in a big jar and drunk with long bamboo straws). These gatherings are not merely occasions to transmit skills but also spaces for the younger generation to better understand their roots and their responsibility to preserve their identity.

In Bu Mon hamlet, as life changes rapidly, the image of Village Elder Dieu Do quietly safeguarding century-old treasures is more than the story of one man – it is a symbol of the collective effort to preserve and spread S’tieng culture. He is not simply keeping treasures for himself; he is preserving the soul of the hamlet, the memories, and the pride of the entire S’tieng community in Dong Nai today.

Village Elder DIEU DO was born in 1920 in Bu Mon hamlet, Bu Dang commune. For many years, he has steadfastly preserved, transmitted, and promoted traditional cultural values to younger generations, contributing to safeguarding the S’tieng identity in Dong Nai.

By My Ny – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha