Montagnard Dega Art

The Montagnard Dega people of Vietnam have a rich cultural background as well as several interesting perspectives on the world around them. From an artist's standpoint I would naturally want to learn more about their art and what it means to their culture.

From what I have learned is that the Montagnard's use and create art primarily as tools or to serve some utilitarian purpose. The main form of this are the back-strap weaves that the women make. Long shall like pieces of cloth with bright colors and an endless sea of line and form. They use these for every purpose imaginable (Babies, sacks, dresses, ect.). They also have a tendency to use animal bones and skin to make decorative art for their houses.

Here is a diagram depicting my interest in art and the Dega people.

I definitely still need to learn about what they consider fine art or even if there is such a concept in their culture. Do they do any paintings? Or sculpture? If not what is their main source of creativity.

I would love to speak to an Artist of their people and see what kind of cultural background can be unearthed.