The wild pineapple plant not only adds a splash of green to the landscape, but it is also closely tied to the daily life of islanders through its use in everyday items. Among them, the wild pineapple hammock once provided a stable source of income for many. However, today only a few people on the island remain dedicated to this traditional craft.
With decades of experience in weaving hammocks from wild pineapple roots, Mrs. Huynh Thi Nhon from Phu Long Hamlet, Long Hai Commune, along with a few other women on the island, still carry on the tradition. According to Mrs. Nhon, the wild pineapple plant is highly practical in daily life. Its fruit can be used as medicine, and its roots are especially valued for making ropes — most notably, they serve as the primary material for weaving hammocks. The roots selected for this purpose are those that dangle from the trunk but haven’t yet taken root in the ground, as these produce strong, durable fibers. Additionally, the roots must be straight, neither too old nor too young.
A finished hammock requires about 15 kilograms of fresh wild pineapple roots and must go through numerous stages such as peeling, slicing the core into thin strips, and sun-drying. Then comes the process of shredding the strips into finer fibers and twisting them into thread. Once the threads are ready, the weaver begins shaping the hammock’s ends and weaving it square by square. While cutting the roots is labor-intensive, crafting a finished hammock requires meticulous attention to detail and persistent effort.
As she works, Mrs. Nhon reminisces about the golden days of the wild pineapple hammock, when it was not only popular in Phu Quy but also sold in Phan Thiet, La Gi, and other areas. There were times when she considered giving up the craft altogether.
She still worries about the future of the tradition, as there seems to be no one to carry it on. Mrs. Nhon only hopes that tourism can help younger generations recognize the cultural value of the wild pineapple hammock and develop it into a sustainable souvenir product — and that local authorities will pay more attention and devise plans to revive this traditional craft village.
Bich Dung – Van Loc
Phu Quy
