Abstract

The Gươl house is a representative communal structure of the Cơ Tu people and a repository of their traditional cultural and artistic values. Combining a literature review with fieldwork, this article examines the decorative art of the Gươl house. The findings indicate that its decoration is expressed primarily through wood carving and decorative painting. The imagery focuses on human figures, animals, and natural elements, reflecting the labor, beliefs, festivals, and worldview of the Cơ Tu community. These motifs employ a highly stylized and symbolic visual language that contributes to the distinctive identity of the Gươl house. Beyond their aesthetic value, the decorative elements preserve cultural memory, transmit Indigenous knowledge, and strengthen community cohesion. The study clarifies the distinctive artistic values of the Gươl house and emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting the traditional cultural heritage of the Cơ Tu people in the contemporary context.

Keywords: Cơ Tu people, Gươl house, Gươl house decorative art, stilt houses, traditional Cơ Tu motifs.