#luong

Luong: my hips don't lie but they will exaggerate details, misrepresent the facts, and on occasion deceive via omission of crucial information

1. Keeper of the Craft by Barry Crosthwaite Via Flickr: Thu Sy village, Vietnam, with a history spanning nearly 200 years, is renowned for its unique "đó" traps, used to catch fish, shrimp, and other aquatic creatures. Luong Son Bac, born 1940, dedicated his life to this craft, mastering the intricate techniques of selecting bamboo, splitting it into thin strips, and weaving them into the distinctive shapes of the "đó" traps. He would ride his bicycle, loaded with fish traps, 60km to Hanoi where he could achieve a higher price for the village. While modern fishing methods have become more prevalent, the traditional bamboo traps of Thu Sy village remain a cultural symbol and are often used for decoration or even exported. Luong Son Bac, along with other artisans in the village, plays a vital role in preserving this heritage, passing down his knowledge and skills to younger generations. I had hoped to make a portrait of Mr. Luong on his bicycle but he had a fall recently and broke his hip and his ability to mount the bicycle. He was kind enough to welcome me into his house and show me a wall of photos that recorded some of his history and contribution to Vietnamese culture. This experience is much more memorable for me than any portrait I could have taken.