her heartfelt concern about the fading of traditional cultural values

in the heart of Buon Ma Thuot City (Đắk Lắk), a highland blessed with sun and wind, lives H'len Niê, a humble Ede lady deeply rooted in her culture. she holds a profound reverence for the traditional values that are gradually fading amidst the currents of modernity.

H'len’s sense of heritage was ignited by her deep respect for the ancestral relics she has preserved over the years. initially, these items - such as jars, gongs, and the tiêng-liêng - were merely old family heirlooms to her. over time, however, they came to life, revealing their cultural significance and the role they play in the Ede way of life. beyond cherishing what she already had, H'len began collecting ancient and forgotten artifacts scattered across the region.

"seeing traditional cultural relics disappear from the villages of the Central Highlands, witnessing old gongs and jars sold off as scrap, I felt an overwhelming sense of loss. the traditional longhouses and old villages are also vanishing. I have a fear that future generations will no longer recognize a Kpan bench or a Hgor drum. that’s why I’m more determined than ever to collect, preserve, and share my people’s culture with others who appreciate it."

driven by this determination, H'len has transformed her Arul House longhouse into a vibrant space brimming with Ede cultural identity. this space vividly portrays the deep connections between humans, the earth, nature, and their roots, offering an intimate glimpse into the Ede way of life.