BA NA

Other names: To Lo, Krem, Con Kde, Ala Cong, Krang

Population

174,456 people

Locality

Kon Tum Province and the western parts of Binh Dinh and Phu Yen Provinces.

Customs & Habits

The Ba Na lives in houses built on stilts. In each village, there is a communal house (rong) which stands out due to its height and beauty. According to matrimonial customs, a young man and woman can take the initiative in marriage, and the parents are only involved to ensure the respect of traditional principles. After the birth of the first child, they can set up their own family environment. The Ba Na venerates the spirits which relate to human beings.

Culture

The Ba Na language belongs to the Mon Khmer Group. Their musical instruments are rich with various combinations of gong sets, t’rung xylophones, bro, klong put, ko ni, khinh khung, and to tiep trumpets. The aesthetics of the Ba Na are in their unique wood carvings and extraordinary decorative crafts.

Costumes

The men tend to wear loincloths and the women wear sarongs.

Economy

Their main source of income is slash-and-burn agriculture and the rearing of livestock. Almost every village has forges to make metal products. Women also weave cloth to make their families garments and the men practice basketry and mat-making, the Ba Na often barter goods.