The sharper edge to traveling in Asia

Thailand’s Hill Tribes

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jun• 09•10
 

Akha woman

Approximately 500,000 semi-nomadic tribespeople live in Thailand, comprising some 15-20 tribes.  Each has its own culture, dress, language, customs, and belief system.  Tribal culture crosses geo-political boundaries, and therefore each group will be known by several names, depending on the modern country in which they’re found, whether it be Thailand, Burma, China, Laos, or Vietnam.  

In Thailand, hill tribes occupy the north and northwestern areas of the country, heavily populating the area known as the Golden Triangle.  Different tribal groups are well interspersed and quite used to living in close proximity with villages of other tribes.  Most hill groups practice some degree of animism, combined with shamanism and ancestor worship.  Four of these groups (Lahu, Lisu, Hmong, Mien) commonly cultivate opium, although programs sponsored by the Thai government increasingly attempt to sway their economies away from that crop. 

Among the most visible of Thailand’s tribal groups are: 

Akha (aka Kaw):  Known for their distinctive silver-coined headdresses, Akha typically are found on mountain ridges and valleys.  The Akha are among the most visible of tribal groups, commonly seen selling elements of tribal clothing on the streets of Bangkok, far from their traditional villages in the north. 

Collector interest:

  • belts, made from silver, shells, coins, and seeds
  • bracelets for men, hollow, with engraved designs (dragon designs are particularly desirable)
  • bracelets for women, flat and silver, with engraved designs, or solid silver, copper, or brass, with engraved designs
  • buckles of beaten silver for fastening tunics
  • earrings
  • neck rings, flat and silver, hollow, or solid
  • necklaces of colorful beaded glass
  • pendants, chained and silver
  • rings
  • textiles, including ornate women’s outfits, appliquéd, silvered, and beaded

Hmong (aka Meo):  Hmong women are famous for their black jackets and trousers with colorful, striped borders.  Their talent at embroidering is legendary, and colorful Hmong bedspreads and throws, with elaborately stitched village scenes, are increasingly common.  

Collector interest:

  • bedspreads and pillowcases, with embroidered village scenes
  • belts, made from silver
  • bracelets , open, made from solid silver, copper, or brass, with engraved designs
  • clothing, embroidered
  • earrings
  • neck rings, hollow, solid, or twisted
  • pendants, lock-shaped
  • rings
  • textiles, made with batiking

 Karen (aka Kariang, Yang):  Karen are the heaviest-populate tribal group, numbering approximately 250,000.  They are divided into four main groups, the White Karen, Pwo-Karen, Red (Kayah) Karen, and Pa-O (Black) Karen.  Karen are increasingly influenced by Christianity. The Pwo-Karen are becoming increasingly well-known for their intricate basketry and superior weaving skills. 

Collector interest:

  • basketry
  • belts, made from silver
  • ear ornaments, cylindrical-shaped
  • neck rings,  flat and silver
  • necklaces of colorful beaded glass, or silver or bronze, made from coins, bells, or beads
  • smoking pipes, made from silver and wood
  • textiles, embroidered with seeds

 Lahu (aka Mussur): Lahu women are known  for their distinctive red and black jackets, and their finely woven shoulder bags are popular items for collectors.  Lahu are subdivided into five different groups (yellow, white, blue, red, sheleh), primarily indicated by the predominant color of clothing. 

Collector interest:

  • belts, made from silver
  • bracelets, open, made of solid silver, copper, or brass, with engraved designs
  • bracelets for men, hollow, with engraved designs
  • bracelets for women, flat and silver, with engraved designs
  • buckles of beaten silver, for fastening tunics
  • ear ornaments, cylindrical-shaped
  • musical gourded reed-pipe
  • neck rings, flat and silver, or hollow, solid, or twisted
  • pendants, chained and silver
  • rings
  • shoulder bags, finely woven
  • textiles, including ornate women’s beaded and appliquéd tops and tunics

 Lisu (aka Lisaw):  Lisu women are known for their multi-colored outerwear, worn over black trousers, often topped by black turbans.  Lisu wealth is traditionally based on raising livestock and opium cultivation.  Sexual and marital partners tend to be chosen individually. 

Collector interest:

  • belts, made from silver
  • bracelets for women, flat and silver, with engraved designs
  • bracelets, open, made of  solid silver, copper, or brass, with engraved designs
  • collars for women, made from colorful cloth and silver dangles
  • earrings
  • neck rings flat and silver
  • pendants,  chained and silver
  • rings

 Mien (aka Yao): Originating in China, the Mien write with Chinese characters, and observe many traditional Chinese customs.  Women wear black turbans, and often wear coats with thick fur-like collars.  

Collector interest:

  • belts, made from silver
  • bracelets, open, made from solid silver, copper, or brass, with engraved designs
  • hollow or solid neck rings
  • paintings, traditional, preponderance of red and black colors
  • pendants, chained and silver
  • rings
  • textiles, embroidered, including women’s trousers and money bags

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3 Comments

  1. Issac Maez says:

    Thank you for sharing this article, this is nice one…. I like it a lot and Hope others might like it as well.

  2. Lahu Yoseh says:

    We offer opportunities for unique trekking and home stays in the hills of Northern Thailand with Lahu-fluent American who has lived with tribal people for 15 years. Educational, eco-adventure this November-December 2010. My Lahu family is ready to share their culture, hunting, gathering and herbal remedies. Here is your chance to penetrate beyond the usual tourist haunts and experience these fascinating indigenous people for more than a few hours. Opportunities to traverse into Burma and Laos as well. For more info, contact: LahuChronicles@gmail.com and check out the web-site at: LahuChronicles.multiply.com to see pictures and video.

  3. tataga says:

    Hey, I love your site, keep it coming!!

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