Name of
Ethnic Group: Co Lao(Ke Lao).
Population:
About 1,500 people.
Locality: Dong Van
and Hoang Su Phi Districts in Ha Giang province.
Customs and Habits:
Each village has about 15 to 20 households. The Co Lao houses are built level with the
ground. A patriarchal system has been adopted. During pregnancy, Co Lao women observe
strict abstinence to facilitate delivery and to give healthy babies. In Dong Van District,
people incinerate the placentas of new born babies. Three days and nights after their
birth, male babies are baptized by their parents.
Culture: The Co Lao
language belongs to the Kadai Group. Ceremonies and festivals are held on the 3rd day of
the 3rd lunar month, the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, the 15th day of the 7th lunar
month, and the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. The Lunar New Year Festival is the biggest
festival of the year.
Costumes: Men wear
trousers like many other ethnic groups around the northern borders. Women also wear
trousers and a five-panel dress running below the knees. The dress buttons under the left
armpit and is decorated with bands of different coloured cloth that are attached to the
chest from the middle to the right armpit along a fringed slit.
Economy: The Co Lao
practice terraced farming and grow maize in mountain rock hollows. Basketry and woodwork
are popular handicrafts that are produced by this group. The Co Lao are also known for
their bamboo mats, lattices, large winnowing baskets, panniers, tables, chairs, and horse
saddles.
|