Thailand Hilltribes

 
The Lisu (Lisau)

• The Lisu, belonging like the Lahu and Akha to the Lolo speaking linguistic group, originated from the area of the upper Salween river in Yunnan. Villages of this colorful ethnic group can be found in the mountains of China, Burma and northern Thailand. Nowadays, there are around 21,000 Lisus living in Thailand's northern provinces of Chaing Mai, Mae Hong Sorn and Chiang Rai.
  
  

• The Lisu believe strongly in the spirit world, and their shamans are used to divine the causes and cures of all problems and sickness. A few Lisu people have been converted to Christianity by western missionaries.
  
  

• The Lisu settlements are dispersed throughout the mountains of the north, while many have assimilated into the urban centers. The Lisu houses are built on the ground, with dirt floors and bamboo walls around a central ridge. 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 clothing of the Lisu is made from brightly colored, blue or green knee-length tunics with a wide black belt and blue or green pants. Sleeves, shoulders and cuffs are heavily embroidered with narrow, horizontal bands of blue, red and yellow. The more affluent wear massive amounts of hand-crafted silver ornaments for festive occasions.

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