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About the Karen Hilltribe
 
About the Karen Hilltribe

The Karen are the largest hilltribe group living in Thailand, an estimated 300,000 currently live here.  It is thought that they originate from Tibet moving through to Myanmar and Northern Thailand. They can be found living  in the mountains and low lands of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and some in central Thailand. There are 4 major types of Karen;  the Sgaw (white Karen), the Po, the Pa-O and the Kayah.  Those that live in the mountains practice slash and burn agriculture whilst those in the lowlands cultivate irrigated paddy fields.  Traditionally they live in bamboo or teak stilt houses with their domestic animals such as chickens and pigs living underneath.  By tradition they are animists but now as many as 30% have been converted to Christianity by missionaries throughout the years.  Animism still plays an important part in village life though, with all villagers participating in spirit festivals

Nowadays it is more common to see the Po and Sgaw still wearing their traditional costumes with other groups wearing more modern clothes. The costumes vary between groups but one distinction between all is the difference in single and married women’s dress.  A traditional single woman’s costume is long and plain white, whereas a married woman typically wears a sarong and Karen style shirt with elaborate patterns and seeds sewn on.

  Video clip of Traditional Karen Hilltribe Dance performed by school children - Part 1

Video clip of Traditional Karen Hilltribe Dance performed by school children - Part 2

Video clip of Traditional Karen Hilltribe Dance performed by school children - Part 3




 

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