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YAO HILL TRIBES
They are
to be found in China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. In Thailand there
are approximately 55000 Yao in widely scattered villages in the
provinces of Phayao, Nan and Chiang Rai, and perhaps another 10000
or so refugees from Laos, living in refugee camps along the border.
The Yao originate in southern China, and are the only hill tribe to
have a written language. Yao villages are mostly found on low hills,
and their houses built usually of wooden planks on a dirt road.
There is a guest platform of bamboo in the communal living area.
Their economy for several generations has been based quite largely
on the cultivation and marketing of opium, although opium addiction
is relatively rare among them. With the present drive to stamp out
the cultivation of the opium poppy in Thailand, the Yao find it
necessary to seek other means of livelihoods.
Yao women are noted for their magnificent cross-stitch embroidery,
which richly decorates the clothing of every member of the family.
The costume of the women is very distinctive, with a long black
jacket with lapels of bright scarlet wool. Loose trousers in
intricate designs are worn and a similarly embroidered black turban.
Yao silversmiths produce lovely silver jewelry of high quality.
Yao Woman with her Baby, Yao Village in Chiang Rai Province,
Northern Thailand.
The Yao have a written religion based on medieval Chinese Taoism,
although in recent years there have been many converts to
Christianity and Buddhism. They are very peaceful and friendly, who
pride themselves on cleanliness and honor and they are called the
"businessmen" among the hill tribes.
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