Apart from its great beaches and beautiful landscapes, Da Nang boasts the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, which is a typical and unique craft village to the south of the city. Situated at the foot of the Marble Mountains in Ngu Hanh Son District’s Hoa Hai Ward, this craft village has a proud history covering more than 200 years.
The founder of the village was craftsman Huynh Ba Quat from Thanh Hoa Province. In the late 18th century, he and others from his hometown brought their families to live in this village. There is a place of worship here now which is dedicated to the founding ancestors of the village, and the villagers hold a special ceremony on the 6th day of the 1st lunar month every year to honour their ancestors.
Initially, the village’s craft products had been made to serve the daily lives of the local people, and included such items as rice mortars, grain grinders and tombstones. More recently, its product range has expanded and they are now considered to be some of the city’s highest value exports.
Besides the household utensils, the jewellery is very pretty, delicate and colourful, and there is a variety of statues of Buddha, sphinxes, birds and animals, national heroes and famous characters. These statues are extremely exquisite and come in many different sizes, from a small statue measuring just a few centimetres to a giant sized one.
To maintain and develop their occupation, the Non Nuoc carvers are deeply aware of preserving their relic site and protecting their traditional skills. The stone used is now sourced from the northern region, not from local sources any more, and precious stones are even imported from other countries.
Initially, stone carving was based on the experience and skills passed down from generation to generation, but there are now professional training courses. There are over 300 carving businesses in the village, with thousands of carvers.
Every day, in spite of life’s ups and downs, the village is full of the laughter of the craftsmen and the sound of the hammers striking chisels. With their skilful hands and love for the art, they produce impressive polished statues and petite, sophisticated items incorporating both traditional and modern motifs, and these have been taken to many parts of the world by visitors.
The Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is a “must see” and a “do not miss” destination during your visit to our beautiful seaside city. You will have a chance to explore a local craft village and watch skilful carvers creating their beautiful sculptures.
