Who are the Hill Tribe People?

Traditionally hill tribe people have supported their families by engaging in slash and burn agriculture, which required them to move their villages every few years in search of new fields when old ones lost their fertility. It is now no longer possible for them to continue this semi-nomadic lifestyle, as there are no new places to move on to.

Mainly for ecological reasons the Thai Government now prohibits the felling of trees and clearing of hillside land. Thus, the tribal people are finding that they have less land on which to support their families.

The production and sale of handicrafts is an obvious answer to their problem, and one which does not destroy the traditions of tribal community life. In fact, handicraft production helps to restore and revive these traditions which otherwise might have be lost.

Akha Hill Tribe People There are approximately 32,000 Akha living in northern Thailand. The somber blue-black clothing is brightened with embroidery, appliqué, seeds, silver ornaments, coins, shells, brightly dyed chicken feathers and bright green beetle wings. The men are skilled craftsmen and make many kinds of baskets, musical instruments and crossbows.

Hmong Hill Tribe People There are approximately about 92,000 Hmong people living in northern Thailand. There are mainly two sub tribes of Hmong, namely the White and the Blue (Green). White Hmong women produce some of the most exquisite needlework to be found anywhere in the world, Blue Hmong women are the only producers of batik cloth among the tribal people. Their clothing is richly decorated with magnificent embroidery, appliqué, cutwork, pom-poms, batik cloth and silver jewelry. Hmong men are skilled blacksmiths and gunsmiths.

Karen Hill Tribe

The Karen is the largest highland group in northern Thailand. There are two major sub tribes, namely Sgaw Karen and Pwo Karen. Karen population is estimated at around 293,000 which is about 50% of the total hill tribe population of Thailand.

These hand-crafted items are the products of members of the Karen tribe. The majority of the Karen people live in Burma, and yet they also form by far the largest of the six major tribes of northern Thailand. There are as many as 297,000 Karens living in Thailand. They can be found living both in the mountains and on the plains. The mountain-dwelling Karens practice seidden agriculture, and the plains-dwellers, for the most part, cultivate irrigated paddy fields.

Karen women are noted for their ikat (tie-dye) weaving using cotton thread and natural dyes, which is done on a back-strap loom. Each of the many sections of this large ethnic group has its own style of dress, therefore there is a rich variety in the types of fabrics produced. Some of them embroider, using Job's tears for embellishment.

In the past, Karen basket-makers produced some of the finest basketry known in Southeast Asia. This has tended to be a dying art, but there are signs of revival due to the present demand for fine baskets in the crafts market. Karen men also product musical instruments, animal bells, unique tobacco pipes, and numerous other crafted items.

Lahu Hill Tribe

There are approximately 58,000 Luhus now living in Thailand. The four sub tribes of Lahu are Lahu Na, Laju Sheh Leh, Lahu Shi and Lahu Nyi and they all produce a diversity of designs.

Some of these hand-crafted items are products of the Lahu tribe. Lahu people are to be found in the mountains of China, Mynmar, Laos, and nothern Thailand. There are approximately 73,500 Lahus now living in Thailand. Their practice of slash-and-burn agriculture does not provide them with even the basic essentials of life, let alone the enrichment to be found in education for their children, adequate medical care, and the simple amenities of modern life. They have found that their skills in producing high-quality handicrafts can be a welcome means of augmenting their meager income.

Lahu women are skilled in weaving cloth both on back-strap and foot-treadle looms, producing dedicate patchwork trims, and unusual embroidery work. Lahu weaving is unique in that the pattern appears on only one side of the cloth. Men and women together make some of the finest basket to be found anywhere in Southeast Asia. Lahu men produce excellent crossbows, musical instrument, and other items made of wood, bamboo, and rattan.

Lawa Hill Tribe

The Lawa people in Thailand are found only in the north and their population is only about 8,500. Arts and Crafts of Asia through Craft-Asia.com is selling their beautiful black handwoven cloth with ikat (tie-dye) designs and their silver jewelry.

Lisu Hill Tribe

There are approximately 23,000 Lisus living in Thailand. The Lisu of northern Thailand make their clothing from colored cloth stitched into outfits trimmed with row upon row of multicolored stripes of cloth, appliqué patchwork, tassels, and beadwork.

Many of our hese hand-crafted items are products of the Lisu Hill Tribe. Villages of this colorful ethnic group are to be found in the mountains of China, Myanmar and northern Thailand. There are approximately 22,000 Lisus living in Thailand.

For many generations the main means of livelihood for many of the Lisu people has been the cultivation of the opium poppy. Some of these people have given up poppy growing, and are now seeking to supplement their income through the sale of skillfully produced crafts.

The Lisu of northern Thailand make their clothing from gaily-colored cloth stitched into outfits trimmed with row upon row of vari-colored strips of cloth, appliquéd patchwork, elaborate tassels, and beadwork. The more affluent wear massive amounts of hand-crafted silver ornaments for festive occasions. Lisu men produce crossbows, musical instruments, bird and animal traps, and other items made of wood, bamboo, and rattan.

Mien Hill Tribe People

Mien women are noted for their beautiful multi-color cross-stitch embroidery, which richly decorates their clothing.

Many of the hand-crafted items sold here are products of the Mien tribe. The Mien are found in China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. In Thailand there are approximately 40,500 Mien in widely scattered villages.

Their economy for several generations has been based quite largely on the cultivation and marketing of opium, although opium addiction is relatively rare among them. With the present drive to stamp out the cultivation of the opium poppy in Thailand, the Mien find it necessary to seek other means of livelihood.

Mien women are noted for their magnificent cross-stitch embroidery, which richly decorates the clothing of every member of the family. Mien silversmiths produce lovely silver jewelry of high quality. A unique ceremonial drum made by Mien craftsmen is a much-sought-after item.