Name of
Ethnic Group: Cong (Xam Khong, Mang Nhe, and Xa Xeng).
Population: About 1,300 people.
Locality: Muong Te
District in Lai Chau province and along the Da (Black) River.
Customs and Habits:
The Cong live in houses built on stilts. Each Cong lineage has a leader, its own social
taboos, and its own manner of worshipping their ancestors at the altar. According to
customs, young men and women can each take initiative in marriage. People of direct
relations can only get married to their seventh generation relative. The man's family
actively proposes marriage. After the betrothal, the man lives with his future wife's
family for several years. Women wear their hair knotted in a chignon on top of their heads
which shows that they are married. The wedding is often celebrated once the couple has had
children. The man must then offer pieces of silver money to his wife's parents. The
woman's family must prepare a dowry for the bride to bring to her husband's house. Every
year, each Cong village holds a communal ceremony where several rites are performed to
pray for bumper crops.
Culture: The Cong
language belongs to the Tibet-Burman Group.The Cong follow their own calendar. The Cong
folk arts are diverse. Their songs are characteristically composed of smooth melodies with
alternating songs that are sung at communal ceremonies.
Economy: The Cong
use a slash and burn method of cultivation. The Cong grow cotton which is used to barter
for other cloth. Other handicraft activities include basketry and, particularly, red dyed
rattan mat making.
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