Cultural Identity of Tai Ethnicity at the Upper Red River, China

Abstract

Tai ethnic groups have long been settled along three rivers: Khong, Kong, and Red Rivers in Yunnan Province, China. This article aims to present the distinct cultural identity of Tai ethnicity on the upper Red River in Yuanjiang District, China, by a field survey as the main method and a literature review. Yuanjiang is a deep mountainous river valley that was created by two mountains, Ailao and Diancangshan, where the Red River passes though. Tai sub-groups include Zhong, Zhang, and Ya, yet all are called Huayao Dai/Tai or Flower Waist Tai according to the unique characteristics of their attire. La is one of Tai groups. Tai identity can be classified according to five dimensions: (1) Costume: the clothing of Huayao Tai is decorated and stitched with glorious and colorful patterns. The waistband is adorned with spikes of silver flowers. Tai La women may often be seen dressed in a lose shirt and trousers, yet they still wear their traditional attire in everyday life. (2) Language: Tais in Yuanjiang speak a Tai-Kadai language but they do not have a written form. Huayao Tai speaks Tai for communication among themselves but switch to Chinese with the Tai La. (3) Religion: Animism is the principal belief system of the Tai. (4) Customs: The ritual of a village guardian spirit or Seu Ban is still practiced. (5) Housing: a Tai domicile is typically a tall building with a flat roof. The walls are made from sun-dried bricks or mud. The Tai in Yuanjiang have strong bonds and a sense of solidarity, the Huayao Tai, in particular. Each group has managed to keep its unique traditions alive, particularly the Tai languages, attire, and worship of Seu Ban.