Incense Artisan
Ethnic Nùng An woman spreads bau hat leaves to dry.
Thap village in Cao Bang, Vietnam, remains a center for traditional incense making, with nearly 100 families dedicated to the craft. They use natural ingredients like sawdust, tree bark, and various herbs. A key ingredient is bau hat leaves (Litsea cubeba), which provide a unique citrusy aroma and act as a natural binder. The leaves are dried, ground, and mixed with other ingredients to form a paste, which is then rolled onto bamboo sticks. This time-honored process, passed down through generations, preserves a vital part of local culture and heritage.
Incense Artisan
Ethnic Nùng An woman spreads bau hat leaves to dry.
Thap village in Cao Bang, Vietnam, remains a center for traditional incense making, with nearly 100 families dedicated to the craft. They use natural ingredients like sawdust, tree bark, and various herbs. A key ingredient is bau hat leaves (Litsea cubeba), which provide a unique citrusy aroma and act as a natural binder. The leaves are dried, ground, and mixed with other ingredients to form a paste, which is then rolled onto bamboo sticks. This time-honored process, passed down through generations, preserves a vital part of local culture and heritage.