The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands: A UNESCO Heritage and Its Preservation Journey
Introduction: A Living Heritage in the Highlands
The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands is not merely a form of musical art, but a comprehensive cultural activity tied to the spiritual life of ethnic groups like the Ede, Mnong, Jarai, and Bahnar. In 2008, UNESCO recognized it as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." Unlike other instruments, gongs here are voices of the gods, connecting people with the supernatural and binding community members together.
Core Values of the Heritage
#### Role in Spiritual and Community Life Every gong set is believed to possess a soul. The sound is a medium to communicate with deities (Yang), present in rituals like new rice celebrations, water wharf ceremonies, and grave-leaving ceremonies. Each gong piece has a unique melody and rhythm with specific ritual meanings, passed down through generations.
#### Diversity in Performance Techniques Each ethnic group has distinct methods of making, tuning, and playing gongs. The Ede often use large sets for grand sounds, while the Mnong have complex rhythms requiring high skill. Gong tuning is a special art requiring refined hearing; Dak Lak province alone has 393 tuners, highlighting the importance of this unique skill.
Alarming Status and Causes
#### Risk of Decline The heritage faces serious decline. In Dak Lak, home to 49 ethnic groups, authorities admit many ancient gong sets are now bought and sold, losing their sacred meaning and becoming commercial goods.
#### Challenges from the Artisan Community Most artisans face difficulties: low income, advanced age, and poor health. Passing skills to youth is challenging as younger generations show less interest. Urbanization and cultural integration also shrink traditional performance spaces.
Preservation Efforts in Dak Lak
#### Action Plan for 2022-2025 Dak Lak has launched a preservation plan for 2022-2025 with a budget over 20 billion VND. The main goal is to restore the gong cultural space in community life, linked with tourism development, ensuring inheritance and effective promotion.
#### Teaching and Restoration Activities Authorities have organized gong teaching classes, provided gongs and traditional costumes to villages, and restored rituals and festivals tied to gong performances. Cultural exchange programs and honors for folk artisans are also prioritized.
Sustainable Future Directions
#### Linking with Community Tourism Developing model cultural villages linked with community tourism helps preserve heritage while creating livelihoods for residents, especially artisans. Economic benefits encourage communities to maintain cultural identity.
#### Integrating Heritage into Education The province systematizes gong cultural documents and images of ancient gong sets. Teaching classes are held in ethnic boarding schools, helping youth appreciate heritage early. The goal by 2025 is for all ethnic minority villages to have gong and art teams, with all 15 districts organizing teaching classes.
Conclusion
The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands is an invaluable heritage. Preservation is a shared responsibility beyond Dak Lak. With joint efforts from authorities, communities, and tourists, the gong sounds will continue to echo, sustaining traditional values for future generations.
