Yao hill tribe – History and Culture

Origins of the Yao

The Yao hill tribe originally come from Southern China. From the late 1800s to the early 19th century, the Yao started migrated into Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. In Vietnam they are called “Zao”. There are Red and Black Zao in Vietnam.

Where do they live?

In Thailand Yao hill tribe settlements can be found in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. Most likely you will meet them in Chiang Rai province.

Yao Subgroups

There are various subgroups among the Yao. The Lanten is an important subgroup. In Thailand there are no Lanten villages. You can find Lanten villages in Laos.

Yao hill tribe women at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. Picture courtesy of the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center.

Two Yao women

Culture and lifestyle

The traditional attire of the Yao hill tribe people is extraordinarily beautiful. The women wear long black jackets that are accented with woolen scarlet lapels. In addition to this they wear loose black pants that are embroidered with exquisite designs and a matching black turban. The Yao babies are also known for their exquisite attire. Yao babies commonly wear intricately embroidered caps. Men wear loose jackets that are accented with embroidered pockets and trim. Jewelry is popular in Yao culture as well. During special events women and children often wear silver neck rings along with an intricate set of chains and ornaments, the silversmiths of the Yao hill tribe are renowned throughout Thailand for their impressive skill.The women are known for their rich embroidery and cross stitch. The intricate designs are unique facets to the clothing of each member of the Yao family. The Yao are also known for producing exquisite silver pieces. These skills account for a large part of their economy.
The Yao prefer high altitude dwellings. Their homes are typically built on solid ground. In a traditional Yao home you will find a communal living area, a few bedrooms, and a guest area.
The Yao typically grow corn and rice as their major agricultural crops, though they are known to grow other smaller crops as well. The Yao are adapting to Thai culture and agriculture and learning to produce a variety of new crops with each passing year.
Opium farming is still relevant in some sections of Yao culture, though the tradition is on the decline.

Yao textile. Picture by Donna Bramhall

Religion

The Yao hill tribe people in Thailand are primarily Buddhists. Most of them have mixed elements of Buddhism with their traditional animistic beliefs. Animism encompasses the beliefs that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical (or material) world.Animists believe that souls or spirits exist, not only in humans, but also in animals, plants, rocks, geographic features such as mountains or rivers, or other entities of the natural environment. Animists often seek help through supernatural spirits and objects.

Important festivals

The most important festival of the Yao hill tribe people is that of New Year. This falls on the same date as the Chinese New Year. More on the Yao New Year here.