Bản sắc văn hóa tộc người qua hoạt động trình diễn ở bảo tàng dân tộc học việt nam ttta

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AN THU TRA ETHNIC CULTURAL IDENTITY THROUGH PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES AT THE VIETNAM MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY Major Cultural Studies Code[.]

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Work was completed at:

GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Supervisor: Prof Dr Le Hong Ly

Examiner 1: Assoc Prof Dr Tran Thi An

Examiner 2: Assoc Prof Dr Tran Duc Ngon

Examiner 3: Prof Dr Bui Quang Thanh

This doctoral dissertation will be defended at the Dissertation Defense Committee at Graduate Academy of Social Sciences, 477 Nguyen Trai,

Thanh Xuan, Hanoi At , on date Month 2023

This doctoral dissertation can be found at:

National Library of Vietnam

The Library of the Academy of Social Sciences

INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale

In 1986, the Doi Moi decision of our Party was considered an important turning point in the construction of the country and the opening up of international integration This opens up the need to explore, learn and exchange between diverse cultures around the world Therefore, the issue of preserving and promoting national cultural identity is deeply concerned and placed in an important position In this context, Vietnam identifies traditional cultural values that not only affirm the sustainability and development of each ethnic group but also reflect its identity

The exhibitions and performances in the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) are a complicated process with the participation and negotiation of many parties Every performance is a process of construction, from the idea, to the realization, from the direction, the political will to the implementation of the curators, then to the consultation of the community, of the experts The national identity at the museum is created in a negotiation process, which respects the community's voice

The topic of identity construction has been interested and explored

by many researchers from the interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences such as in the field of tourism research, culture, folklore, ethnology, art studies, cultural heritage However, the issue of research

to create cultural identity in museum activities, exhibitions, and performances at museums in general and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology has not received much attention Therefore, the dissertation

chooses to study "Ethnic cultural identity through performance activities

at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology" The dissertation will explore the

role of the Museum in constructing ethnic cultural identity through exhibitions, re-enactments, and cultural performances in general

2 Research objectives and contents:

- Analyze the process of formation and development of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology from the policy of building museums, exhibition spaces, performance activities to learning experiences in a major museum in the world, applying community approaches and negotiation

- Analyze cultural performance activities at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology through specific cases of cultural display of the Bana, Thai and Kinh ethnic groups

- Describe and identify cultural performance activities of the Bana, Thai and Kinh ethnic groups at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology since its establishment

- Commenting on the process of constructing identity at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology through the process of selecting, negotiating, constructing meaning and interpretation of cultural reconstruction from exhibition activities

- The dissertation clarifies the process of building displays, performances, and cultural representations of ethnic groups that show the museum's mission and politics along with social negotiation and criticism

3 Objects and Scope of study

3.1 Objects of the study

The object of the study is the performance activities of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology revolving around the issues of context, views and methods, negotiation in choosing the type and content of the presentation

to explain the process of constructing ethnic cultural identity

3.2.Scopes of the study:

Spatial scope: Fieldwork to collect data and negotiate with the

community in some localities where the three ethnic groups of Bana, Thai and Kinh live such as Son La, Kon Tum, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Thai Binh, Hanoi; Conducted a study at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in the exhibition spaces in the Trong Dong building and Architectural Garden

Time scope: Of course, the exhibition activities of the three

ethnic groups (Bana, Thai, Kinh) since 1997, that is, since the Museum was inaugurated until now

4 Research methodology of the dissertation

The dissertation uses: Ethnographic field methods; Methods of synthesizing and analyzing secondary documents; Qualitative research methods; Participatory observation methods; Expert interviews and focus group discussions; Interdisciplinary research approaches: Ethnography, anthropology, sociology, culture

5 5 Research questions and research hypotheses

5.1 Research questions

Implementing this topic, the dissertation offers a number of research questions as follows:

- In the process of forming and developing the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, how did the concepts and approaches expressing ethnic cultural identity take place?

- What processes have the cultural performances at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology undergone between the Museum, the community and the participants?

- How does Vietnam create the identity and re-create the cultures of ethnic groups that represent the mission and politics of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology?

6 New scientific contribution of the dissertation

- The analysis and interpretation of specific performance activities at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology will contribute to the research on the issue of constructing ethnic cultural identity The dissertation also contributes to academic debate on the study of the politics of the construction of ethnic cultural identity

7 Theoretical and practical implications of the dissertation

Theoretical significance: Cultural identity is always changing

and the construction of ethnic cultural identity is a process of negotiation with the participation of the parties The dissertation contributes to the study of the politics of identity construction through the reconstruction and cultural performance at the museum

Practical significance: Some of the results of the topic are

suggestions and scientific basis for the organization of exhibition and performance activities of the museum These results support consulting

activities to implement the State's policy on preserving and promoting ethnic identity through cultural activities

8 Structure of the dissertation

In addition to the Introduction and Conclusion, the dissertation consists of 4 chapters:

Chapter 1: Overview of the research situation and theoretical basis Chapter 2: The formation and development of the Vietnam

Museum of Ethnology and the organization of ethnic cultural

THEORETICAL BASIS 1.1 Research Literature Review

1.1.1 Ethnicity and the problem of ethnic classification in Vietnam

Research documents, policy documents and media materials on

54 ethnic groups in Vietnam are often divided into majority and minority ethnic groups, of which the Kinh (the Viet) are the majority ethnic group, the rest are ethnic minorities The classification and identification of an ethnic group in Vietnam is also a particularly important political task and strategic issue in the current revolutionary period for national affairs The exhibits and performances of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are affected by this ethnic classification The museum also exhibits by language group and by region These

identities are reconstructed according to ethnic groups, linguistic groups

as well as according to each ethnic group

1.1.2 Research on ethnic cultural identity and identity

The moment from Doi Moi, the issue of cultural identity, has become a topic of discussion on many forums of both managers as well

as cultural practitioners Preserving and promoting cultural identity becomes the task, goal and driving force of social development Ethnic identity is not only what has been formed in tradition, but also what is happening in daily life Therefore, cultural identity is always recreated, supplemented with new values, compatible with the modern social context

1.1.3 Studying the role of museums in constructing ethnic cultural identity

- Research on the role of museums in some countries around the world:

Many works around the world study identity and color preservation in museums The majority of authors have discussed the dynamics of cultural identities in museums

-Research on the role of museums in Vietnam in constructing identity:

Some research on performances at museums also clarifies cultural expression, ethnic cultural identity Some authors identify regional cultural nuances and ethnic culture as a cultural entity of each country Cultural performance at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is

an important task and strategy to contribute to the preservation of national cultural identity in today's society

1.1.4 Evaluation of research works

Studies raise conflicting issues of identity that are both fixed and ever-changing The unification is based on the view of the core

elements, the essence and symbolism of the problems of the people formed in history Meanwhile, many works also analyze the construction

of ethnic identity A dissertation from the point of view of cultural transformation and ethnic identity is a creative process The research works related to the dissertation have not yet clarified the cultural performance, re-enacting the identity as a result of the negotiation process between the State and the community The dissertation analyzes the process of the construction of ethnic cultural identity placed in the interaction between stakeholders in specific contexts The dissertation also clarifies the duty of the VME to perform cultural exhibitions and performances, as a process of constructing ethnic identity through negotiation, political expression, concessions and social criticism

2 The concept of tools and theoretical basis

2.1 The concept of tools

2.1.1.Cultural identity, ethnic identity

- Identity: is used to refer to the inherent special properties or

peculiar characteristics that create the difference of things/people that are manifested externally to distinguish one thing/person from another

thing/ person “Identity” is primarily understood in relation to a

conception of self ( self-concept ) or self-identity - a set of beliefs about

the self

Cultural identity is constituted through individual/group

experience in the face of social environment, history and with other external groups/individuals Cultural identity can be thought of as cultural characteristics that help distinguish one ethnic group from another

- Ethnic identity: is understood as specific cultural elements,

such as clothing, houses, cuisine, family relationships and clans, religious practices and beliefs specific to a nation

-Construction of cultural identity: Cultural identity or ego

identity is always created in relationship with the outside Cultural

identity and identity are not immutable, but are always changing and

depend on specific contexts

2.1.2 Performance and representation

- Performance: includes performance, and for museums

performing here can be understood including display The concept of performance can be understood in a broad sense to include forms of

performance, organization of cultural activities, and display of the Vietnam Museum of Art

- Representation: cultural identity is presented through the

knowledge, views of curators, museum officials, those in charge, the direction of leadership, the participation of the community NCS uses

the concept of representation to include both display and/or

performance

2.2 Theoretical basis

2.2.1 The politics of the museum

Politics is often associated with the workings of power, and museums and exhibitions are always political As an important cultural site, the museum became an instrument of political hegemony and power The dissertation considers the museum as a place of power and the politics of reenactment The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is part

of the State's political apparatus to create and recreate the culture of the ethnic community

2.2.2 The role of museums in identity construction

After Doi Moi, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology was established with the noble political task of expressing the culture of the

54 ethnic groups, with unity in diversity Museums are a system of representative practices, and every decision made in building an

exhibition is a choice of representing cultural identity The themes of the exhibits at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are based on the vast collection of ethnic groups to recreate culture, religion and belief not through museum artifacts in the traditional way, but through negotiation and politics With the aim of expressing the identity of ethnic communities, the VME as a socio-cultural, multi-faith space rather than

a monocultural society and links the exhibits with human emotions and practical experiences of identity

2.2.2.3.Museum's role in identity construction

The museum has a role in social intervention and can be an active agent in the re-enactment of identity in exhibitions, activities and performances Vietnam Museum of Ethnology has a mission and always seeks to create, recreate and negotiate the identity of Vietnamese ethnic communities

Chapter 2 ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF VIETNAM MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY, ETHNIC CULTURAL

PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES 2.1 The formation and development of Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

2.1.1 Construction policy

In 1981, the State had a policy to build the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology located in the capital, because at this time it had formed a museum operation room located in the Institute of Ethnology, belonging

to the National Center for Social Sciences and Humanities This cultural work was officially approved by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai in 1987 and granted land by the Hanoi People's Committee for construction in Dich Vong commune, Tu Liem district, Hanoi (now Nguyen Van Hien street, Quan Hoa ward, Cau Giay district, Hanoi city)

2.1.2 Building exhibition spaces

- Exhibition area of Vietnamese ethnic groups (Trong Dong building):

This is the first exhibition of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which has been open since November 12, 1997, on the occasion of the French-speaking Summit in Hanoi In this area, the outstanding part is the display of culture of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam at Trong Dong Building, 2 floors, opened in 1997, displaying more than 700 artifacts about 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam

- Exhibition area in Architectural Garden:

The architectural garden was completed in 2006 with 18 large

and small folk architectural works on ethnic groups The idea of building this area was put forward when it was planned to build a museum in the early 80s of the last century According to the original plan, this area consists of 8 houses or housing architectural clusters of ethnic groups including Cham, Vietnamese, Bana, Ede, Tay, Hmong, Dao and Ha Nhi

- Space for displaying ethnic groups in Southeast Asia (Kite Building)

During the process of formation and development, many ethnic groups in Vietnam have similar or close relationships with residents in other countries in Southeast Asia such as China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, or the Austronesian languages in Indonesia, Malaysia Since 1995,

2.1.3 Some achievements in the formation and development of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

After more than 20 years, since the opening of the museum to visitors from November 12, 1997 to now (2022), the museum has become a scientific base, a cultural center, fulfilling the strategic task of the State Over 20 years of operation, the museum has welcomed over

5,000,000 visitors from more than 80 countries and territories The Museum's website has established a reputation for foreign travel channels such as America's TripAdvisor ranking 4th among the 25 most attractive museums in Asia Exhibitions and performances were developed and implemented in a lively manner with the participation and negotiation of the community The exhibitions and performances attract a large number of domestic and foreign public to visit the museum and contribute to building and developing the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology into a center of science, culture and introduction

to the community of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam

2.2 The process of organizing performance activities at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

2.2.1 Experience of some museums in the world and lessons and guidelines of Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Museums in China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and several other countries have undergone hundreds of years of development with achievements in the construction of exhibition space, and performances The goal of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is to learn from the experience of modern display methods, approach from the community, the subject of culture introduces itself to cultural features that express ethnic identity proactively and in order to create opportunities for the public to learn culture through direct exchange with cultural subjects

2.2.2 The concept of organizing performance activities at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The exhibition and performance of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology not only introduces the content and aesthetic beauty of the artifacts, but also focuses on the aspect of the community's knowledge construction process Applying the views from the community to the performance activities of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology has shown