Mythologies of the Phôngsaly Tribes


Phongsali is home to a number of curious hill tribes that live in secluded rustic villages, tucked away amongst the hills. Just within this one province are numerous different tribes - the Hmong, Akha Epia, Black Thai, Lan Tan, Akha Ikor, Por Sang, Akha Loma are just a few within the region. They adopt unique traditions with the women wearing specific tribal-wear with colorful garments, flamboyant embroidery and applique, jewellery and silver ornaments and distinctive head-dresses. The tribes are not accustomed to seeing visitors and foreigners are often greeted with an intriguing stare. Visiting these hill tribes provide an extraordinary insight into Laos’ simple way of life that is seen by very few outsiders. The provincial capital city is perched on a small ridgetop plateau, over 4,500 feet high. Above, the peak of Phou Fa rises and the town boasts panoramic views of the countryside below. Wandering through the town will lead visitors to the Old Quarter, a medieval-looking part of Phongsali, characterized by houses constructed with mud bricks, ornate Chinese carvings and ancient winding roads. Trekking within the Phongsali province provides remarkable and rare sights from a part of the country that has been barely visited. Walking up the steep, forested incline to the peak of Phou Fa offers breathttaking views over both Phongsali town and magnificent Lao landscapes. Other mountainous hikes present a challenging-yet-rewarding climb to any trekker, with sensational, uninterrupted views from the top over landlocked terrains and rolling mountains. In addition to the chance to explore Laos’ undiscovered and stunning countryside, trekkers may also find themselves encountering hidden hill-tribe villages, nestled high up in the hills.


Phongsaly province (Lao ຜົ້ງສາລີ), also spelled Phôngsali, is a province of Laos in the extreme north of the country. The capital of the province is the city of Phôngsali. Phongsaly is between Yunnan (China), and Điện Biên province in Vietnam. Its culture has been historically influenced by China. Phongsaly province covers an area of 16,270 square kilometres (6,280 sq mi), of which 77% has forest cover. It borders China to the north and west, Vietnam to the east, Luang Prabang province to the south, and Oudomxai province to the southwest. The highest mountain in the province is Phou Doychy with an elevation of 1,842 metres (6,043 ft). Protected areas in the province include the Phou Dene Din National Biodiversity Conservation Area and Nam Lan Conservation Area. Phongsaly province covers an area of 16,270 square kilometres (6,280 sq mi), out of which 77% has forest cover.[2] The province borders China to the north and west, Vietnam to the east, Luang Prabang province to the south, and Oudomxai province to the southwest. It is located in the mountains, approximately 450–1,800 metres (1,480–5,910 ft) above sea level. The highest mountain in the province is Phou Doychy with an elevation of 1,842 metres (6,043 ft). The Phou Fa hill, at 1,625 metres (5,331 ft), is near the capital city and has road access to the top from where vistas of the city are visible. The top of the mountain is approached by 431 steps. Because of economic commerce with China, portions of the province have been deforested. Weather in the province is described as "four seasons in a single day" with cold mornings and evenings, humidity during the day, and rains in the afternoon, which has created lush green forests.


Phongsaly is located farthest north of Laos, which shares  border with China and Vietnam. Most of Phongsaly is at high attitudes, and capital is located 1,400 m above sea level. The forests of Phongsaly are the most remote and well preserved in northern Laos and scenery includes spectacular  limestone mountains and the Nam Ou river ( the biggest tributary of the Mekong ).  The population is make up of about 22 different ethnicities, with  being Phounoi, Tai Lu, Khmu, Akha, Haw, Yao,Oma, Poulee, Mouchee, Laoloum, Pala, Lolopho, Hmong, Cherpia, Laoseng, Laobith, Hayi, Tai Neua, Erpa. The capital of Phongsaly province  is Phongsaly town,   which has complicated history. Having served as a  Chinese,  French   and  Vietnamese  outposts. The town  himself is surrounded by rolling hills and it built into the   side of Phoufa Mountain. The buildings in the town have interesting architectural features, and the Museum of tribe is excellent way to see an afternoon, admiring various ethnic minority artifacts and handicrafts. 


























Movies


Phôngsaly Tribes


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Animal Mythology

Image
May 16, 2022 June 5, 2022 Animal Stories Animals in Mythology Since the beginning of human history, people have lived in close contact with animals—usually as hunters and farmers—and have developed myths and legends about them. All kinds of creatures, from fierce leopards to tiny spiders, play important roles in mythology. A myth can give special meaning or extraordinary qualities to common animals such as frogs and bears. However, other creatures found in myths—many-headed monsters, dragons, and unicorns—never existed in the real world. Animals may serve as stand-ins for humans or human characteristics, as in the African and Native American trickster tales or the fables of the Greek storyteller Aesop. In some legends, animals perform heroic deeds or act as mediators between heaven and earth. They may also be the source of the wisdom and power of a shaman. Animals often have a dualistic quality in mythology. They can be helpful to humans or harmful—som...
Read more

Most Mysterious Mythologies

Image
  Mythology always has an important role in society; myths provide explanations for things that cannot be explained and give people hope during difficult times. Even in modern times, we turn to our superheroes and science fiction epics, our own versions of mythology, for comfort. All use mythic themes. The world is home to a wide variety of cultures and beliefs. Whether you are looking for the stories of Native Americans, ancient Greek Mythology or Japanese folklore, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular mythologies from around the world! World Mythology is the global term for all of the myths found throughout history across the entire world. These stories take place across all cultures and time periods, and are usually deeply meaningful to the culture they come from. Myth:  A story with deep societal meaning, usually dealing with god(s) and explaining the origin of things. Legend:  A story with possible historical origins, though likely inflated over time. ...
Read more

Mythologies of the Ouachita Tribe

Image
The  Ouachita  were a  Native American  tribe who lived in northeastern Louisiana along the  Ouachita River .  Their name has also been pronounced as  Washita  by English speakers. The spelling "Ouachita" and pronunciation "Wah-sha-taw" came about as a result of French settlers and their influence. Many landscape features and places have been named for them since colonization of the region by Europeans and Americans.  The Ouachita were loosely affiliated with the   Caddo Confederacy .   Their traditional homelands were the lower reaches of the   Ouachita River   in present-day northeastern Louisiana and along the   Black River .   Around 1690, the tribe is believed to have settled at Pargoud Landing on the Ouachita River. This was later the site of a French trading post, and ultimately the present-day city of   Monroe, Louisiana   developed around it.  Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville , a...
Read more