Other names: Tay Hat
Population
301 people
Locality
The O Du live in the villages of Kim Hoa and Xop Pot in Kim Da Commune, and the rest live in nearby villages in Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province.
Customs & Habits
The O Du live in small families. After marriage, the bridegroom lives at his wife’s house for some time before returning to his 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. Therefore, after death, they become the soul of the house, watching over every activity of the living.
Culture
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.
Economy
The O Du live off of farming on slash-and-burnt plots, rearing animals, gathering, and also hunting. Weaving is also a sideline family occupation.
