Phu Gia horse hat making recognized as national heritage

The Phu Gia horse hat making craft, a tradition spanning nearly 300 years in Gia Lai province, has been officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2024.

Approximately 300 households participate in the production, yielding about 60,000 standard hats annually. However, high-end traditional horse hats, which feature intricate silver carvings and complex embroidery, are much rarer, with only about 130 produced each year. These premium items can reach prices of up to 10 million VND.

The craft faces several challenges, including an aging workforce where many master artisans are in their 80s and a lack of interest among younger generations due to low economic returns. Additionally, there is a growing reliance on imported materials rather than traditional forest pineapple silk. Efforts are underway to invest in infrastructure and tourism connectivity to preserve the craft and transform the village into a cultural destination.