Ethnic Diversity and Ancient Tribes of Southeast Asia
It seems like everything that you want to know can be found online these days. But if travel has taught me anything, there are many more intangible things that can’t be found in a book or on the internet. And the best people and places to learn these things from are from the ancient tribes of the world. We have lost so many already: the true Incan origins of Machu Picchu; the essence of Khmer culture from the days of Angkor Wat; the makers of the Plain of Jars in Laos. We are left with their seemingly everlasting stone architecture and only educated conjectures we can make, based on diluted cultures that remain.
On the bright side, we have places like Jati Luwih in Bali, a living, breathing, and growing remnant of Balinese ancestors from the 11th century. The Rice Terraces of Jati Luwih are Unesco protected and it is the largest rice terrace in Bali using the Subak irrigation system. Bali and its Hindu heritage create a peaceful, world-loving culture that should be emulated worldwide. They integrate old philosophy with modern times without ever compromising their respect for nature, people (living and dead) in addition to their gods; called Tri Hita Karana. Subak irrigation and Tri Hita Karana are one of the thousands of belief systems and cultures that we can learn from before they go extinct.
Within Southeast Asia, the most well-known ethnic minority groups are the Karen Tribe of North Thailand and the Hmong of North Vietnam; however, these are just two of an unbelievable number of indigenous ethnic tribes.
Vietnam has 54 recognised ethnic groups
Indonesia has 633 recognised ethnic groups
Laos has 49
Cambodia has around 20
Thailand has around 70
Philippines has more than 180
As modern day humans keep taking their land for our overindulgences, indigenous people lose their way of life. As smart phones and internet become more widespread and easily accessible, these ethnic groups will be looking outward for jobs and income. And as global warming continues to deplete their resources, they will have to seek food and refuge in cities.
Through conscious tourism and supporting the proper organisations, we can support these endangered cultures. I have heard rumours that there is a man in a very hard-to-get-to village on Alor Island, Indonesia, who is the last surviving speaker of his dialect of local language. I was lucky enough to have seen firsthand the gong ceremony from Kon Tum, Vietnam, which Unesco has recognised as an Intangible World Heritage.
These are some ancient tribes that must be visited before they are lost to history:
Montagnards and Banars of Kon Tum, Vietnam
Ngadga of Bena Village, Indonesia
Abui Tribe of Takpala Village, Indonesia
Akha people of Phongsali, Laos
Asmat Tribe of Irian Jaya, Indonesia
There are so many around the region, but without a translator and/or someone with deep knowledge, it sometimes feel like time travelling. By visiting these people and places with a great guide, you can learn about their folklore, legends, and stories.
There is so much wisdom and knowledge to be learned from these ethnic groups who have survived wars, industrial revolutions, colonialization, and invasions with humility and dignity and continue to thrive with their wisdom and ancient customs in our hustling and bustling world.
