PU PÉO

Others names: Ka Beo, Penti, and Lo Lo

Population

705 people

Locality

Concentrated along the Sino-Vietnamese border in Dong Van, Yen Minh, and Meo Vac districts of Ha Giang Province.

Customs & Habits

Houses are usually on the ground in tiny clusters beside a Hoa or H’Mong village. Each family lineage has its own system of middle names. Pu Peo society follows a patriarchal system, as the father or husband has the right to own the house. The Pu Peo attach great importance to ancestral worship. Small earthen jars, each symbolizing a generation, are often on their altar.

Culture

The Pu Peo language resembles that of the Co Lao, La Chi and La Ha, and belongs to the Kadai Group. The Pu Peo hold ceremonies to pray for peace and the beginning of the new working season. This particular ceremony is held during the New Year in the first half of the first lunar month and continues to the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. They are one of few ethnic groups still using bronze drums. In Pu Peo custom, male and female drums sets exist.

Costumes

The attire of Pu Peo women still maintains their vibrant colours as pieces of different coloured clothes are sewn to make colourful designs. They wear scarves, skirts, vests, and aprons. The men, however, dress like other ethnic groups in the region.

Economy

The Pu Peo farm on burned land and terraced fields, growing maize, rice, rye, and beans. Their farm tools include ploughs and harrows. They use buffaloes and oxen to serve as draught animals. Their staple food is steam cooked corn flour.