Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mien (Yao)
Population:
35,500
Origin:
Central China
Present locations:
Thailand, south China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam
Belief system:
Animism with ancestor worship, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity
Cultural characteristics:
The Mien are highly skilled at crafts such as embroidery and
silversmithing. They settle near mountain springs at between 1000m and 1200m with a
concentration in Nan, Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces and a few communities else-
where. Migration into Thailand increased during the Vietnam War era when the Mien col-
laborated with the CIA against Pathet Lao; 50,000 Mien refugees were resettled in the US.
The Mien are influenced by Chinese traditions and use Chinese characters to write their
language. Kinship is patrilineal and marriage is polygamous.
Houses are built at ground level, out of wood or bamboo thatch.
Women wear trousers and black jackets with intricately embroidered patches and red
furlike collars, along with large dark-blue or black turbans. Men wear black tunics and
black pants.
