KHO-MU ETHNIC GROUP

Population: More than 43,000 people.

Locality: Nghe An, Lai Chau, Son La, Thanh Hoa, and Yen Bai Provinces.

Customs and Habits:The Kho Mu still live a nomadic lifestyle. Their houses are built with temporary and rudimentary materials and have very little furniture. The husband must live with his wife's family for one year after marriage. Marriage between the same lineage is strictly forbidden. The Kho Mu believe in the existence of spirits. The heavens, the sound of thunder, the earth, the forests, and the field are all assisted by spirits. The worshipping of spirits of the village and of ancestors is very common. They also pray for bumper harvests and good annual production.

Culture: The Kho Mu language belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group. A rich heritage of tradition and culture can be found in this ethnic group.

Costumes: The garments of the Kho Mu resemble the Thai group, but the women's ornaments are unique to this group.

Economy: The Kho Mu live on slash-and-burn cultivation, hunting, and gathering. Basketry is also a very developed skill among the members of this group.