Traditional Reed Mats in Ben Tre, Vietnam

the raw material- reeds that grow by the river banks

Rivers are very important to human existence. They supply us with resources for food, clothing, and shelter. The Mekong River gives the Vietnamese people so many gifts.  In the Ben Tre Region, the people continue to make traditional reed mats.

the reeds are gathered and dried

ready to be turned into mats

it takes two people to weave the mat

while the women stay home and take care of the children, they also weave mats

simple weaving tool made of bamboo

all done- 4 mats a day by two women

these mats are going to the market today