The profession of “running” on acacia rope (also known as the profession of beating ropes, twisting ropes) in An Giang is considered a “unique” profession of Westerners because everyday labor must run from 10-20 km.
The job of running glue can seem simple but very laboriousPHOTO: DUY TAN
“Village run”
The place known as the “running village” is located about a few kilometers from the center of My Hoi Dong Commune People’s Committee (Chu Moi district, An Giang ). No one knows whether this profession has ever lived, just know that this profession is hereditary of Western people , there are families with 2-3 generations attached to the profession.
The skilled workers here said that the profession of running glue is made all year round, the most expensive is the Tet holiday. This is also a job that helps many idle workers, from the elderly, children, and women, to earn extra income .
To make a finished rope, it must go through 4 stages and run 3 turns, nearly 200 m each turn. On average, each worker has to run 10-20 km per day, more than an athlete.
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 Every day, each employee has to run from 10-20 km to pull the ropePHOTO: DUY TAN |
The job of running glue can seem simple but very laborious. Workers have to stay up from 4am, light their work until about 3pm. Especially having to continuously “run” for many hours, so it is necessary to be very supple in health .
The hands are calluses
Stringing requires meticulousness and perseverance, because in a hurry, the ropes will get tangled up together. This work also requires people to work together and have interaction.
 This job is not fussy about labor, so women and the elderly often doPHOTO: DUY TAN |
Specifically, one person will be in charge of dividing and winding the rope, and the other person will be in charge of tensioning and winding. So there must be a rhythmic coordination to release the string slowly, if it is too fast, it will be tangled, while the puller will be very heavy slowly.
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 Divide the ropes into the combs and tie the fixture to a rake.PHOTO: DUY TAN |
Under the sweltering sun, the ragged faces are still absorbed in their work. Whether it is a man, woman or an elderly person … when sticking to this profession for a long time, hands are lumpy, but always quick and quick.
 Seize coils with different large and small sizes as required.PHOTO: DUY TAN |
Mrs. Khau Le Thuy (45 years old, living in My Hoi Dong commune) said that to make a rope depending on the size, it must go through many stages: Divide the ropes into racks; tie fixed ropes to a rake; This rake moves to the open field passing through the “horse”; Turn into coils with different large and small sizes according to requirements. “This job, in addition to running for tens of kilometers every day, is also immersed in the hot sun all day. If a big rope has to choose more than a hundred strands, a few dozen strands, so it takes a lot of effort ”, Ms. Thuy shared.
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 Ropes after the finished product.PHOTO: DUY TAN |
Mr. Dinh Van Ut (60 years old, living in My Hoi Dong commune) said that for each kilogram of finished wire, the worker is paid from 1,000 to 5,000 VND / kg (depending on size) by the owner. “Although this job is hard work, it can be done all year round, earning daily money to take care of family life. In addition, the workers can also work near home, not leaving home, so Westerners like me are very fond of, ”Ut said.
Thanh Nien Online