Name of
Ethnic Group: Co Tu (Gao, Ha, Phuong, and Ca-tang).
Population: Nearly 37,000
people.
Locality: Hien and
Giang Districts in Quang Nam-Danang Province, and A Luoi and Phu Loc Districts in Thua
Thien-Hue Province.
Customs and Habits:
The Co Tu believe in and worship Giang (Genie). The houses are set out in the form
of an ellipse. In the middle of the village is the Rong (Communal House), a large and
beautiful building used for the reception of guests, to hold meetings, rituals and
cultural performances. Patriarchy prevails among the Co Tu as the children take the family
name of their father. The right of inheritance is reserved only for sons. Marriage dowries
are also a common practice.
Culture: Co Tu
language belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group.
Costumes: Men wear
loincloths and leave their upper torsos naked. Women wear skirts and short vests. In
winter they wear a piece of cloth to keep them warm. Popular ornaments consists of
necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Economy: The Co Tu
practice a slash and burn cultivation, often dig holes to plant seeds, practice animal
husbandry, weave cloth and baskets, gather, hunt, and fish. The exchange of products is
carried out by bartering.
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