Immersing in the S’tieng ethnic cultural space

(ĐN) – Dong Nai Museum (located in Binh Phuoc Ward) is home to over 14,000 valuable artifacts and documents that reflect the history, culture, and revolutionary traditions of the former Binh Phuoc region. Among them, the S’tieng ethnic collection stands out for its diversity and uniqueness. Exhibited in a tasteful and modern space, the collection leaves a strong impression on visitors with its striking visuals.

Nestled beside the serene Suoi Cam Lake and surrounded by lush greenery, Dong Nai Museum is a must-see destination for visitors to the province.

The exhibition space showcases traditional and distinctive artifacts of the S’tieng ethnic group at Dong Nai Museum (Binh Phuoc ward).

Preserving and showcasing cultural heritage

With careful arrangement of space and exhibits, the Dong Nai Museum gives visitors an overall view of the cultural features of local ethnic groups. Each group’s traditional artifacts are displayed in separate areas, showing both their unique identities and the cultural connection between them.

Mr Nguyen Son Ha, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Museum shared: As indigenous people, the S’tieng ethnic group traditionally lived in remote and border areas. Their main occupations were forest gathering and shifting cultivation. As a result, their food, clothing, and tools were deeply connected to nature, crafted through their daily labor and lived experiences. This connection with nature gave the S’tieng culture its unique character. Items such as baskets, machetes, crossbows, water containers, jars, and colorful brocade fabrics were all made from natural materials, both durable and aesthetically pleasing over time. Today, many valuable artifacts of the S’tieng people have been collected and preserved at the museum for visitors to explore.

“To preserve, transmit and promote the distinctive cultural values of the S’tieng ethnic group, the Dong Nai Museum has been consistently and comprehensively engaged in the search, collection and conservation of related artifacts. The Dong Nai Museum includes nearly 120 objects, ranging from hunting and fishing tools to household items, agricultural implements, and musical instruments are currently preserved and displayed. These artifacts are thematically organized, offering visitors a structured and accessible insight into the traditional life of the S’tieng people.” according to Mr Nguyen Son Ha, Deputy Director of Dong Nai Museum.

A place for educating younger generations about traditions

The museum has made a strong impression and gained wide recognition not only for its rich and diverse collection of over 14,000 documents and artifacts, but also for its scientific and creative exhibition design. Through creative integration of visuals, artifacts, colors, sounds, and lighting, the displays lead visitors through an engaging and emotionally resonant experience. Each artifact is thoughtfully arranged and enhanced through digital technology, enabling visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural essence of various ethnic groups.

Ms. Phan Thi Thu Ha, a resident of Binh Phuoc ward shared: “At the museum, each artifact is no longer just an object, it’s not a dry or boring display as some might imagine. Every item here tells a cultural story through images, shapes, and forms. These artifacts help visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the life, cultural space, and productive labor of the S’tieng ethnic group.”

In the era of integration, the lives of the S’tieng ethnic community have undergone significant changes. With the rapid advancement of science and technology, many traditional cultural elements and craft villages, including those of the S’tieng people, are slowly disappearing. Therefore, the search, collection, preservation, and safeguarding of the traditional cultural values of local ethnic communities has become an urgent and objective necessity. A museum is more than just a tourist stop, it is a place where time slows down, bridging the past and the present. It acts as a living classroom where younger generations can connect with their cultural roots.

By M.Luan/ Translated by M.Hanh – H.Trang