Traditional long shirt of Red Dao women

Collected in 1995 at Na Tong village (Vinh Yen commune, Na Hang district, Tuyen Quang province)

The Dao ethnic group in Tuyen Quang province has a population of approximately 90,600 people (according to the 2019 population census), consisting of nine sub-groups. Among them, the Red Dao group mainly resides in Na Hang and Lam Binh districts. Their traditional costume is not only used for body protection but also vividly expresses cultural identity, reflecting their worldview, aesthetics, and ethnic characteristics.

The women’s long shirt (lùy) reaches the ankles, has an open front without buttons, side slits up to the hips, and long sleeves. It is made from indigo-dyed cotton fabric and decorated using traditional embroidery and fabric appliqué techniques. Along the collar edges are patterns resembling cat footprints and cross motifs adorned with beads, highlighted by nine red wool tassels. The sleeve cuffs feature floral motifs combined with red and white fabric patches. The front flap is decorated with pine-tree motifs and border patterns, while the lower part of the shirt is embellished with beads and red wool tassels. The dominant red color creates a striking appearance and symbolizes luck and happiness in the traditional beliefs of the Red Dao people.

Each shirt is a unique work of art, with distinctive pattern arrangements carefully crafted by the skilled hands of Dao women. Today, Red Dao women in Tuyen Quang still wear traditional costumes during community activities. When wearing the long shirt, the left flap is overlapped over the right and secured with an outer belt.

This garment was collected by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in 1995 at Na Tong village, Vinh Yen commune, Na Hang district, Tuyen Quang province, and is currently displayed in the exhibition space on ethnic groups belonging to the Hmong–Dao language group on the second floor of the Dong Son Drum building.

Author: Vu Phuong Nga

Photo: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology