The Khmu
The Khmu people are the second-largest ethnic group in Laos, after the Lao, who are the indigenous majority. Khmu people often live in Laos’s neighbouring countries, although nearly half a million live in Laos itself. Their traditional lifestyles are based on agriculture, hunting and fishing.
Homes in villages of the Khmu people were always traditionally built on stilts – raised off the ground. Unlike Lao houses, the space under the house is not used for storage or as living-space.
Rice is stored a little distance away from the houses – in case of fire
The rice is stored so it will be safe from rodents or pests.
A very typical picture of today’s Laos – a house made of wood and cane, but with a satellite dish. Although the dish might also be used for drying tobacco.
Khmu people have their own language – which is significantly different from Lao, the official language of Laos.
A Khmu village wedding– almost the entire village is celebrating. Tables for the guests are laid inside large tents, and musicians are playing. I was kindly invited to join a table for honoured guests, where the organisers of the banquet were sitting. The man was giving away his younger sister in marriage.
A Khmu village wedding.
There’s an unusual tradition of beerdrinking. The girl pours a full glass of beer, and has to down the entire glass. The glass is then passed to the next guest, to do the same.
This is a traditional dance. The dancers go around in a circle in pairs, while making an unusual gesture with their wrists.