|
Kham Culture
 Kham
is
the Tibetan name for the eastern third of the Tibetan
plateau, which forms the geographical boundaries of
Greater Tibet. Lhasa considers the political and geographical
boundaries of Greater Tibet to be one and the same.
China’s perspective differs and Yunnan province
has been a part of south-central China since the 17th
century.
Khampas are known for their
warlike spirit and rich, diverse culture. Much romanticized,
the martial Khampas are generally tall, with aquiline
features. They have forthright manners that dispel all
notions of Asian politesse. Like all Khampas, Gyalthang
men and women are passionate equestrians. Each summer,
races and festivities honor Gyalthang's 17th century
equestrian master, Topden.
The ethnic
groups of the Tibet valleys are numerous with Tibetans
forming the main ethnic group. In addition to Tibetan
culture, the matriarchal Naxi live
at the lower elevations, with a heavy concentration
at Lijiang. The Lisu and the Yi
inhabit the mountains of the west and east.
Often the various ethnic communities can be identified
by their clothing. The Lisu wear homespun hemp, the
Naxi a sheepskin cape with sun, moon and star symbols
and the Yi, big black hats and colourful dresses. Some
are farmers, fishermen, or prospectors for gold along
the Yangtze or Mekong.
The matrilineal Moso live in what the
Chinese call the 'Country of Daughters' in the mountains
of the borderlands between China and Tibet. There is
no marriage in Moso society, but rather a large extended
family lives together in a log home. Adult women of
the household have their own bedrooms, where they entertain
lovers.
The Bai
have a long history of cultural assimilation with the
Chinese. Nevertheless, they maintain traditional dress,
customs and religious beliefs. The women wear trousers
covered by an apron skirt, waistcoats of red or blue,
buttoned on the right, and a variety of headdresses
depending on where they come from. The town of Dali
is the Bai cultural capital and 85% of them live in
the surrounding region, where raw pork is considered
a delicacy.
The Yi are monogamous and live in nuclear
families. Most members of the six Yi ethnic groups are
scattered over mountain areas, some in frigid mountain
areas at high altitudes, and a small number live on
flat land or in valleys. The altitudinal differences
of the Yi areas directly affect their climate and precipitation,
giving rise to their saying that "the weather is different
a few miles away". Historically fierce warriors, the
Yi evolved an aristocratic society where even their
slaves had slaves.
>> More: Ethnic festivals in Yunnan
The above article is writen by: Golo Weber from Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Ringha, Zhongdian |
