Preserving the soul of the Lin Xin in the highlands

In the early morning in Coc Cooc hamlet, Pa Vay Su Commune, as dewdrops still cling to peach blossoms in the early days of spring, the sound of the Lin Xin lute gently resonates from the home of artisan Vang Van Seng. Now in his 70s, he continues to dedicate himself to preserving and teaching the traditional instrument of the Nung ethnic group, helping safeguard a distinctive cultural heritage of the northern highlands.

Pa Vay Su and several western communes of the province are home to a large Nung population. In their cultural life, the sound of the Lin Xin has long been closely associated with community activities such as spring festivals, weddings, housewarming celebrations, courtship gatherings and even funerals. In different settings, the instrument conveys different emotions, sometimes deep and heartfelt, other times lively and festive. During spring festivals in particular, the Lin Xin often accompanies traditional “hat luon” performances, with songs praising spring, the homeland and the country’s development.

Artisan Vang Van Seng (left) teaches young people how to play the Lin Xin.

According to Seng, his connection with the Lin Xin began in childhood. On winter nights before electricity reached the village, he would sit by the fire listening to his father and local artisans perform. The instrument's rustic sound gradually became his passion, inspiring him to teach himself and eventually become one of the most skilled Lin Xin players in the area.

The Lin Xin is a long-standing traditional instrument of the Nung people in Pa Vay Su. It has a simple structure and a shape somewhat similar to the moon lute. The wooden instrument is about 70 cm long with a flat, round resonating chamber. It has four strings, typically made from horsehair, nylon or thin steel. However, producing its full and resonant sound requires players to understand folk rhythms and feel the spirit of each melody.

Local authorities say artisan Vang Van Seng is currently among the few people who still preserve and skillfully perform the Lin Xin in the commune. In addition to performing, he actively teaches younger generations, contributing to the preservation of the community’s intangible cultural heritage.

As many traditional values face the risk of fading when young people increasingly turn to modern forms of entertainment, Seng has taken the initiative to offer free lessons at his home. On several evenings each week, children in the hamlet gather to learn from him, receiving patient guidance on tuning, rhythm and musical expression.

The Lin Xin is a long-standing traditional instrument of the Nung people in Pa Vay Su.

Beyond teaching, Seng also crafts instruments himself from familiar materials such as wood, pipes and metal cans. His performances are often featured at local festivals and community celebrations, enriching cultural life in the area.

Amid the changing pace of life in the border highlands, the sound of the Lin Xin in Pa Vay Su continues to resonate as a reminder of cultural roots. Through the dedication of artisans like Vang Van Seng, the passion for traditional music is being passed on to younger generations, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the Nung people will continue to be preserved and shared.

Van Long