The Vietnamese people in Canada are known for maintaining their culinary traditions. Their most important food is rice, which is eaten at every meal and used in various dishes as a grain or flour. Another important ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine is fish sauce, which is made from salted anchovies that have fermented in vats over several months. Fish sauce is used in main courses and, in a diluted form, as a type of dip called nuoc cham. Pork is the preferred choice of meat and, in seafood, shrimp is a favourite.
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Dan Day
Circa 1972
Wood
CMC 94-2124
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The Dan Day is a modified Vietnamese guitar. |
During their many festivals and celebrations, the Vietnamese people enjoy singing and playing music on the zither, flute or a Vietnamese guitar, the dan day. The Vietnamese zither is a traditional stringed instrument; its strings are plucked or bowed to create either sharp or wailing tones. The single-string zither is called a dan bau. The Vietnamese flute is made from bamboo and has an airy, fluid sound.
Dan Tranh
1980 - 1990
109.0 x 22.0 cm
CMC 92-143
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This sixteen-stringed zither has movable bridges, and is played by plucking the strings with picks or plectrums attached to the fingers of the right hand. |
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Sao Tre
Bamboo
56.0 x 2.0 cm
CMC 94-678
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The Sao Tre is a form of bamboo flute. |
Water puppetry is a very popular form of entertainment for the Vietnamese. Artists present a story through beautifully carved puppets set against a background that is usually a water scene, such as a lake. The puppets often represent mythical or legendary figures who recount their tales to the sound of drums.
Water puppet - Dancer
Múa tiên
(Dance of the Immortals)
1991
Theatre of Hanoi
CMC 94-1054
Gift of David Smith
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The art of lacquerwork was introduced into Vietnam by the Chinese as early as 200 B.C. Lacquer comes from the sap of the son tree; once it dries, the sap becomes very hard, is scratch-resistant and makes an excellent protective coating. Artisans apply as many as 10 layers of the lacquer, waiting seven days between each coat. Lacquerwork includes pieces that come into use everyday, such as tea containers, to more ornamental items, such as ceremonial trays and panels.
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Box with Floral Design
Lacquerwork on wood with mother-of-pearl inlay
28 x 23.7 cm
CMC 91-586.1-2
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Panel
1980
Lacquerwork on wood with mother-of-pearl inlay
CMC 91-552
The inlay on this panel depicts the life of a famous scholar and his talented wife.
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The A'o Dài is a traditional Vietnamese outfit worn by women and, in Canada, usually kept for special occasions, festivals and ceremonies. It is a tight-fitting long tunic, slit at the sides from the waist down and worn over loose pants. The colours and motifs embroidered on the dress vary according to the individual's taste.
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Traditional Costume with Dragon Design
Embroidery on polyester
CMC 93-341
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The conical hat is another traditional piece of clothing. This lightweight hat, made of palm leaves woven together, was originally worn by farmers for practical purposes - protection from the sun and rain in Vietnam's tropical climate. Although it is worn less frequently in Canada, the conical hat has become a traditional symbol of Vietnam.
Traditional Conical Hat
Straw or palm leaves and bamboo
CMC 91-435
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