Ethnic Tribes in Myanmar c States, Divisions and Ethnic Tribes Katchin State: Shan, Katchin Chin State: Chin Shan State: Palaung (cane-Palaung, there are others, gold and silver Palaung), Shan, Wa, Akha, Danu, Pa-o, Padaung Rakhine State: Arakanese Kayah State: Karenni Kayin State: Pwo-Karen Mon State: Mon Sagaing Division: Naga, Shan, Burman Mandalay Division: Burman Magwe Division: Burman Bago Division: Karen, Burman Ayeyarwady Division: Karen Yangon Division: Karen Taninthayi Division: Burman, Karen Myanmar's population is currently estimated at 50 million. The greatest concentration is in the Ayeyarwady delta region, where the Burman's form the majority. The difference between the term 'Burman' and 'Burmese' is that 'Burman' refers to the largest and most dominant cultural group; where as 'Burmese' includes all the ethnic tribes within the Union of Burma. State law recognises 135 different ethnic tribes. There were three main major migrations from the North into Myanmar: Firstly, the Mon-Khmer entered mainly from the east and are now represented by a number of smaller tribes: Wa, La, Tai, Loi, Palaung, Pale, Miao, Yao, Riang, En, Padaung and Mon. Secondly, the Tibeto-Burmans occupied the upper reaches of the Ayeyarwady river and founded in Bagan. This group sub-divides into: The proto-Burmese: Taungoo, Yau, Kadu, Hpon, Lashi. Atsi, Danu, Intha and Arakanese (Rakhines). The Chin-Katchin: Chin, Katchin, Gauri, Sing-po and Duleng. The Lolo: Lolo, Lisu, Lahu, Muhso, Kwi, Moso, Kaw and Ako. And Thirdly, the Thai-Chinese migrated from Yunnan to the Shan state. Burman’s The largest ethnic group in the country, they comprise two thirds of the population and are Tibeto-Burman descent. The Burman’s built their first capital at Bagan on the banks of the Ayeyarwady river, and then moved to Taungoo, Ava, Sagaing, Amarapura and Mandalay. Mon The Mon were a powerful group in Burmese history. Many of the most important elements of Burman culture were originally derived from the Mon. The Mon introduced Theravada Buddhism to Myanmar along with the Indian alphabet. The Mon are of Mon-Khmer descent. They had major cultural centres first at Pyay and Thaton. Thaton, to the east of Yangon, across the Gulf of Mottoma, was a busy port through which strong ties with India were developed. The Mon were later centred at Bago which became an important trading centre. Shan The Shan migrated from South West Chins. They are of Tai decent, they are the ethnic descendants of the Tai and Lao, and speak a Tai dialect. History shows that the Shan managed to expand and control central Myanmar for about two centuries, but in 1959 an agreement was signed with the Ne Win Caretaker Government, renouncing their hereditary rights. Today the Shan area is called Shan state. Over 4 million people live in here, divided into 32 different ethnic groups. The 6 main groups are, Shan, Pa-o, Intha, Taungyoe, Danu and Palaung. These groups and the smaller groups congregate at markets around the area, which take place every five days. The Shan are the most numerous, they are known as traders but also for their silver making, and lacquer ware. Traditional Shan dress is generally only worn on formal occasions and the Burmese Longyis is worn by most, although the men still wear their traditional baggy trousers. The traditional dress for a man consists of a Chinese style jacket and a turban. For the women the jacket style is tighter and they also wear a colourful stripped longyi, with a turban, usually embroidered with gold or bright primary colours. Pa-o The Pa-o are the second largest sub group. They descend fro Tibeto-Burman stock. The Pa-o are very religious. The majority of Pa-o are farmers and their main cash crop is Cordia tree leaves, which are used for making Cheroot cigars. The traditional dress for the Pa-o male is similar to the Shan, but only in black. The ladies costumes are also black but their turban is brightly coloured. Intha Intha people live around Inle Lake. Intha means ‘son of the lake’ The Intha tribe are renown for their one legged rowing technique, which was developed so that both hands are free when fishing. Also around the lake the Intha’s have created floating islands on which they can grow vegetables. The produce from Intha lake supplies most of the surrounding area. The traditional dress is the same as the Burman’s, Longyis and open necked shirts. Taungyoe The Taungyoe live in the hilly regions around the lake and are also farmers. The traditional costume is much the same as the Pa-o tribe, but the women can be distinguished by the heavy rings they wear below their knees. If they are married the rings will be bronze, if single the rings are silver and worn at the ankle. Danu The Danu tribes live mostly in the Pindaya cave area. The name Danu is derived from the word ‘Donke’ which means ‘brave archers’. The people in this area are named after the brave archers who settled here after fighting wars in Thailand. The Danu are farmers, they speak Burmese but with an accent, they also wear Burmese costume. Palaung The Palaung are descended from Mon-Khmer and live in the Kalaw area of Shan state. They are famous for the tea they grow here. The traditional dress is very brightly coloured. The women also wear cane rings around their waists once married and heavy strings of beads as necklaces. The older women shave their heads and wear white hoods. Unlike other tribes, many families will live together in long houses. The Karen Legend denotes that the Karen originate from near the Gobi Desert. Half of the Karen tribes people live in Thailand, and the other half in the East Myanmar. They are the largest single minority in Myanmar. Around 20% or Karen are Christian, converted by American missionaries early 1900’s. The Karen group has eleven smaller groups including Paku, Pwo-Karen and the Padaung. Padaung women are probably the best known of Myanmar tribes folks, often called ’long neck women’ or ‘Giraffe women‘. Traditionally they wear an uncomfortable stack of rings around their neck, which gives the appearance of making their necks longer, but in fact are forcing their shoulders down. This has been said to been started to stop other tribes steeling the women from them, another story is that the neck rings would prevent to women’s necks from being bitten by forest animals. Whether any of these ‘stories’ are correct, the practice is now dying out. Originally the rings were added when a girl reach 12 or 13 and a ceremony is held as the first few rings are put in place, apparently this procedure is very painful, and then another ring is added every year until they get married.   The Katchin The Katchin originated from West China and are also from Tibeto-Burman descent. They occupy Northern Myanmar and are either hunters or farmers. Most Katchin are Animist but many have now converted to Christianity. The Chin and The Naga The chin occupy the West mountains and are related to the Naga who live further to the North. Both groups lead an agricultural life. Many are still Animist, and those that have converted to Christianity are slowly moving in to the valleys. Amazingly the Chin have 44 related languages. The Arakanese (Rakhines) The Arakanese have been highly influenced by India, due to their close proximity. Many are devout Buddhists. About one fifth of Arakanese people are Muslim and have been given the name of Rohingyas. These Rohingyas have been heavily persecuted over the years and are not recognised as one of the 135 tribes of Myanmar.