Pu Peo ethnic group
Customs and habits
Houses are usually built 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 attaches great
importance to ancestral worship. Small earthen jars, each symbolizing a
generation, are often placed 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
holds 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. The
Pu Peo is 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
maintain their vibrant colours as pieces of different coloured cloths 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’s farms are located 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.
