Sedge mat making in Quang Xuong, Thanh Hoa

Locals start harvesting sedges, a family of flowering plants popular in tropical Asia, from early in the morning, and the harvest season can last for months.

Making sedge mats is a demanding task that involves many stages, from planting, harvesting, and drying the sedge to the most laborious task of sedge weaving.

Below are a series of photos by Lai Dien Dam featuring the traditional craft village of Quang Xuong in Thanh Hoa Province.

These photos were one of the entries to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper's year-long competition themed “Vietnam – Country – People" concluding in October last year.

It won the competition’s consolation prize.

The sedge mat weaving line

‘Guiding’ sedges home through the trench

Sedge villager

Break time

Shaking the sedge before storing

Sedge harvest season

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