Little known extraordinary native architectures can be found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. These lands bordering Laos and Cambodia are home to three of Vietnam's 53 ethnic minority groups: the Ede, Bahnar and Giarai.
CNN reports that although these groups have long had a history of being marginalized by the government and are often involved in disputes over land with ethnic Vietnamese, they remain steadfast in their traditional way of life.
Part of this tradition is the Edes' longhouses, which are generally built on low stilts of bamboo and wood. A double stairway adorns the entrance with each stairway designated a gender. The side that is designated for the females of the family is carved with a pair of breasts. The longhouse has a communal living area often filled with the women of the family busy with their weaving while the men work on their farming equipments. Separate rooms are provided for sleeping.
Because the Ede is culturally matrilineal, the family adds a new section to the existing longhouse for each female that marries. This is her new home with her new husband. Over time, an Ede longhouse may reach a remarkable length such that some may even come to 100 meters. Where wealth is family, the length of a longhouse may be seen as the gauge of a family's prosperity.
If Ede longhouses impress with length, the homes of Bahnar and the Giarai are iconic in their height. At the heart of each Bahnar or Giarai village is a communal house that may tower to as much as 30 meters in height. The more standard communal area may be anywhere between 15 and 20 meters tall. For these two groups, height is status.
CNN describes that the rongs, or communal towers, stand on stilts and have similar stairways to an Ede longhouse. The rongs' angled thatched roofs often testify to the villagers' skills. Blade-shaped and decorative, each roof is designed differently for each village. The bamboo platform inside the rong accommodates all villagers.
The rong is focal to village activity, especially for meetings, dispute resolutions and the villagers many ceremonies and festivals.
For the Giarais, ancestor worship is one of the most important aspects of life. So much so that the Giarai funeral is often complex and expensive. A Giarai tomb is home to the remains of several family members and often includes prized possessions of the family. Wood carvings for various moods decorate the boundaries of the grave.
Tourists and strangers are often invited to see inside these impressive homes and villages. The locals are friendly and welcoming. The Edes encourage visitors to sample and purchase their woven work, often crafted into bags and purses.
