M’Nong ethnic group
Customs and habits
The M'Nong lives in houses built on
stilts or level with the ground. Each village usually has dozens of households.
The village chief plays a major role in village life. They like to drink
alcohol from jars with pipes and smoke tobacco threads rolled in leaves.
Matriarchy is observed and the children take the family name of their mother.
The wife holds the key position in the household. The M'Nong likes to have many
children, especially daughters. One year after the birth of a child, the baby
is given a name. At funerals, people sing, and beat gongs and drums at the side
of the coffin. After placing the coffin in the grave, they cover it with
plants, tree boughs, and leaves before filling the grave with earth. After
seven days, the family holds a rite which completes the mourning process. The
M'Nong believes in the existence of many spirits which are related to their
life. One such spirit is Mother Rice who has a special role.
Culture
M'Nong language belongs to the
Mon-Khmer Group.
Costumes
Men generally wear loincloths and
leave their upper torsos naked. Women wear skirts which fall to their ankles.
Dark indigo loincloths, skirts, and vests are decorated with red-coloured
designs.
Economy
The M'Nong uses the slash-and-burn
method of farming. The M'Nong in Ban Don is well known for their elephant
hunting and domestication. Women handle the weaving of cotton cloth, while the
men work on basketry.
