Yao (Mien) Hilltribe
The Mien are found to live densely in Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Lampang, Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak and Phetchabun, Since they have no subgroups, the Mien in Thailand speak their common language with identical accent, dress up the similar costumes and belong to the same tradition and culture. However, there are some slight differences from village to village in different localities. Interestingly still, the Mien do have their original written language based on Chinese characters.
backside
of a piece of cloth. If one wants to know what the finished designs
look like, one has to turn and look at the other side. The cross-stitch
technique which has become more popular this day was introduced only
50-60 years ago.
These peoples have a series of ancient writings which organize their day to day living and include items such as worship and medicine. A series of pamphlets have been devised over the centuries to help their groups become accustomed to their environment and the people they have lived beside.
More is known and understood of the Mien because of their written language, hence their history is more readably available to both scholars and students of Asian Culture. From such rich chronicles we have been able to save the legend of the Mien's beginnings.
The Emperor Pien Hung of China, was attacked by the very powerful Emperor Kao Want and faced defeat. The dog, Phan Hu, was able to get through the lines, kill the aggressor, and bring Kao Wang's head back to the Emperor Pien Hung. Phan Hu was rewarded with one of Pien Hung's daughters as a wife, whom he took up to the mountains to live with him. They produced 12 children, six boys and six girls, from whom sprung the 12 clans of the Mien as we know them today. Or so the legend goes.
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The Mien are found to live densely in Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Lampang, Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak and Phetchabun, Since they have no subgroups, the Mien in Thailand speak their common language with identical accent, dress up the similar costumes and belong to the same tradition and culture. However, there are some slight differences from village to village in different localities. Interestingly still, the Mien do have their original written language based on Chinese characters.
COSTUME
Mien women are skillful embroiderer.
One particular style of Mien's traditional needlework is amazingly and
meticulously done from the backside
of a piece of cloth. If one wants to know what the finished designs
look like, one has to turn and look at the other side. The cross-stitch
technique which has become more popular this day was introduced only
50-60 years ago.
A woman's
attire consists of a loose-fitting pant beautifully decorated withfine
embroidery works. Is worn with a long wrapper, of which the front ends
are tied at the back of her waist so that a full view of the delicate
embroidered designs of the pant can be seen. Along the hem of the
wrapper from neck to waist, a string of red knitting wool is worn. There
are also a waistband and a turban.
Mien men usually wear a short shirt and a pair of loose-fitting trouser. The hem and the pocket look beautiful with embroidery works.
As far as the ornaments and accessories are concerned, the Mien are fond of silver products. For example, a round shaped silver necklace with long tails hanging from the back is worn. Mien's exquisite and meticulous silver craftsmanship is well known among many tribal groups in Thailand.
Mien men usually wear a short shirt and a pair of loose-fitting trouser. The hem and the pocket look beautiful with embroidery works.
As far as the ornaments and accessories are concerned, the Mien are fond of silver products. For example, a round shaped silver necklace with long tails hanging from the back is worn. Mien's exquisite and meticulous silver craftsmanship is well known among many tribal groups in Thailand.
HISTORY:
The Mien likely originated from southern China about 2,000 years ago via Hainan, Guangxi and adjoining provinces. They were referred to by the Chinese as "barbarians", which is reflected in their name. These tribal peoples are the only ones to have a written language, Chinese. In recent years, both a Romanized and Thai-based script have been added by Western missionaries.These peoples have a series of ancient writings which organize their day to day living and include items such as worship and medicine. A series of pamphlets have been devised over the centuries to help their groups become accustomed to their environment and the people they have lived beside.
More is known and understood of the Mien because of their written language, hence their history is more readably available to both scholars and students of Asian Culture. From such rich chronicles we have been able to save the legend of the Mien's beginnings.
The Emperor Pien Hung of China, was attacked by the very powerful Emperor Kao Want and faced defeat. The dog, Phan Hu, was able to get through the lines, kill the aggressor, and bring Kao Wang's head back to the Emperor Pien Hung. Phan Hu was rewarded with one of Pien Hung's daughters as a wife, whom he took up to the mountains to live with him. They produced 12 children, six boys and six girls, from whom sprung the 12 clans of the Mien as we know them today. Or so the legend goes.
http://www.tayara.com/club/hilltribe.htm#Akha
http://www.azuretours.com/hilltribe_mien.htm
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