Basket boat: Cultural value of Vietnamese maritime craft

Basket boats, beyond their value as a means of transportation and fishing, have become a symbol of the creativity of fishermen, and the uniqueness of Vietnamese fisheries in the eyes of world friends. 

The basket boats scattered across the coast from the South to Da Nang have become a very unique symbol of Vietnam's maritime profession. Although the origin is still unclear, many people believe that the basket boat is a creative product of fishermen during the French colonial period. At that time, the French imposed very high taxes on Vietnamese ships. Fishermen, who were already struggling, now had to bear this additional tax. Should they give up their seafaring profession? Once they give up their maritime job, how can they take care of their mouths to feed? Times are hard and having a job is even harder? So the basket boat was born to solve the difficulties of fishermen during this period. It was not a "boat" according to the French definition, but just a large "basket", big enough to carry several people. people and fishing products, so people can avoid the boat tax and still be able to go to sea. 

Making basket boats is a meticulous process that requires special skills. It takes many artisans who specialize in making basket boats to coordinate to produce a boat that meets the requirements. To begin this "manufacturing" process, the artisan will choose bamboo trees that meet the requirements based on experience (the bamboo tree must be easy to float and flexible during the weaving and molding process). They are then split into pieces, dried and cut to the exact desired size before knitting. Currently, there are still no machines to support the production of basket boats, so they are mainly woven by hand. This process requires the experience and quantitative skills of skilled artisans. 

After the basket frame is completed, the artist will cover its two sides with plastic or asphalt. In some cases, artisans can use a mixture of cow dung and bottle plastic (the type of plastic used to plaster boats) to spread along the bottom of the boat to completely waterproof it. As a final step, the boat is covered with a layer of special local tree resin before being dried in the sun. Today, basket boats are also produced in many variations, by creative fishermen. Modern versions of basket boats use fiberglass, fabric and composite to replace bamboo as the main production material, making the boat lighter and more durable. Many people have sails or engines installed to help them go further at sea and save human effort. The art of operating basket boats Generations of fishermen have used basket boats for more than 100 years, thanks to their superior production techniques and creativity. Their round shape and lightweight materials help them move naturally in the sea. 

While other boats move in a way that cuts through the water, basket boats stay above the waves and rarely capsize. This helps fishermen to fish closer to shore than other boats. Basket boats can be pushed straight into the sea from the sand, while long and heavy boats often have to enter the water more difficult and through a river near the sea. Looking at the skilled fishermen operating basket boats, you should not think that they are easy to row. In fact, it is extremely difficult. To control a basket boat properly takes more time than you think. Unlike other boats, their round, basket-like shape makes them spin if you don't know how to control them. 

Traditionally, the fisherman would control them by waving an oar back and forth like an arc. It's easy to say, but it's very difficult. Try it once to experience it, if you have the opportunity! Cultural values ​​of coastal villages Basket boats are an important part of the culture of coastal fishing communities in Vietnam. In addition to being a fishing tool, they are also used as a lifeboat in emergencies at sea, and are an effective means of transporting light goods and people. Basket boat races are also a very important and interesting part of their role in local village festivals. The basket boat is also a symbol of the independence and creativity of fishermen. 

Modern fishermen often have to work on large fishing vessels offshore and they are away from their families for months at a time. Owning a basket boat can allow them to operate independently and make a living for themselves. In many cases, thanks in part to basket boats, fishing has become a family affair and is passed down to future generations. Society is becoming more and more modern, and the marine profession is also more or less affected. 

In that cycle, many traditional fishing gears and means of fishing are eliminated from life because they cannot adapt to changes in the profession. But somewhere, on the islands of Vietnam, we can still easily see basket boats lying face down on the sand or crossing huge waves. It is a testament to the strong vitality of sea village culture, the culture of using basket boats, a simple but flexible boat that adapts, sticks and exists with fishermen who have stuck to the sea for many generations.

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