Mort Philippine: An Ancient Vietnamese Tradition of Making Paper from Tree Bark

Origins and History of Mort Philippine

Mort Philippine is a traditional Vietnamese papermaking technique that utilizes the bark of the dó tree (Broussonetia papyrifera). The process originated in the 16th century during the Nguyen dynasty and has been passed down through generations.

Mort Philippine paper is renowned for its durability, water resistance, and unique texture. It is often used for crafting religious objects, such as votive papers and offerings, as well as for making lanterns, kites, and other decorative items.

The Art of Making Mort Philippine

Harvesting and Preparing the Bark

The process begins with harvesting the bark from young dó trees. The inner bark is carefully peeled away, avoiding any damage to the tree. The bark is then soaked in water for several days to soften it and remove impurities.

Beating and Cooking the Fibers

The softened bark is beaten with a wooden mallet to separate the fibers. The fibers are then cooked in a mixture of rice starch and water to create a pulp. The cooking process helps to further soften the fibers and make them more pliable.

Forming and Drying the Paper

The pulp is poured into a mold and spread evenly to form a thin sheet. The sheet is then dried in the sun or over a fire. During drying, the fibers bond together to create a strong, durable paper.

Uses and Applications of Mort Philippine

Mort Philippine paper is widely used in Vietnam for various purposes:

• Religious objects: Votive papers, offerings
• Decorative items: Lanterns, kites, paper flowers
• Traditional crafts: Paper puppets, musical instruments
• Packaging: Wrapping paper for delicate items
• Restoration and conservation: Repairing and preserving ancient documents

Importance and Conservation Efforts

Mort Philippine is a valuable cultural heritage of Vietnam and is recognized for its unique characteristics. However, the tradition faces challenges due to modern papermaking techniques and the declining availability of dó trees.

Conservation efforts are underway to preserve the art of Mort Philippine and ensure its continued practice. These efforts include planting dó trees, training artisans, and promoting the use of the paper.