O Du Ethnic Group

The O Du ethnic group, also called Tay Hat live in the villages of Kim Hoa and Xop Pot in Kim Da Commune, Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province.

The O Du live in small families. After marriage, the bridegroom lives at his wife’s house for some time before returning to hi s house with his children and his wife. For the O Du, the New Year begins on the day when the thunder rolls for the first time in early spring. They believe that people have souls which, after death, become the soul of the house, watching over every activity of the living.

O Du language belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group and is now no longer used. They do use the Thai and Kho Mu languages, however. As a result, their cultural identity is obscured by the influences of the Thai and the Kho Mu.

The O Du live off of farming on slash-and-burnt plots, rearing animals, gathering, and hunting. Weaving is also a sideline family occupation.

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *