Ma people
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Vietnam 50,322 (2019)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Vietnam | |
| Languages | |
| Ma, Vietnamese, others | |
| Religion | |
| Animism * Theravada Buddhism |
The Ma or Maa (Vietnamese: Nguoi Ma) are a Mon-Khmer indigenous people of Vietnam; as of 2019, they had a population of 50,322. They are concentrated mostly in the Lam Dong and Dong Nai province of the country, particularly in the area of the upper Dong Nai River.[2] They are very close to the Koho people.
The Ma achieved some form of political unity and a stratified society before the 19th century due to the influence of the Funan.[2] This, however, broke down due to varying factors such as the French colonization, inter-group warfare, and slave trading.[2] The Mon-Khmer-speaking group called Cho Ro is identified by some ethnologists as a subgroup of the Ma people.[3]
Culture
[edit]Language
[edit]The Ma or Maa language comes under the Mon-Khmer Group: this and the Koho language are sometimes considered to be different dialects only. Jean Boulbet[4] and Le et al. describe the following Ma subgroups.[5] There are over 16,000 Ma people living in Loc Thang, Loc Bac, Loc Tan, Loc Lam, Loc Ngai, and Loc Chau communes in Bao Loc District; Da Teh, Da M're, Da Huoai, Dong Nai, and Ma Da Gui communes in Da Huoai District; Da Don and Phu Son communes in Duc Trong District; Dinh Trang Thuong commune in northern Di Linh District (Le et al. 2014:310). These districts all belong to Lam Dong Province.
- Ma Ngan: the main Ma subgroup, who live in the Da Dong river basin. Loc Bac, Loc Trung, Loc Lam communes of Bao Loc District, Lam Dong Province.
- Ma To: in upstream La Nga (Da Rnga) River, B'Lao (Bao Loc) plateau. Many are in close contact with the Koho people.
- Ma Krung or Ma Da Gui: in the southern plains, from southeastern Bao Loc District, Da Huoai District, Lam Dong Province to Dinh Quan District, Dong Nai Province.
- Ma Xop: in Loc Bac (B'Lach) commune, Bao Loc District, and some in Loc Trung commune of the same district.
Le (2003)[6] covers the Maa varieties of Dagui, Chop, and Tadung.
Folklore
[edit]The Ma have a rich oral traditions, and their culture is a tapestry of folklore. Myths, parables, and legends are an integral part of this ethnic group.[7] A detailed description the beliefs, customs, ethno-geography and botany of the Ma people is given by Jean Boulbet, having lived in what is now the Cat Tien and Bao Lam districts in the 1950-60s: before the extensive influx of lowland people to the region.[4]
Traditional attire
[edit]The Ma are also known for their traditional colorful attire. Ma women wear skirts that reach well below their knees. The men customarily wear loincloth.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Report on Results of the 2019 Census". General Statistics Office of Vietnam. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
- ^ a b c Howard, Michael (2016). Textiles and Clothing of Viet Nam: A History. Jefferson, NC: McFarland Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 175. ISBN 9781476663326.
- ^ Michaud, Jean; Swain, Margaret; Barkataki-Ruscheweyh, Meenaxi (2016). Historical Dictionary of the Peoples of the Southeast Asian Massif, 2nd edition. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 102. ISBN 9781442272781.
- ^ a b c Boulbet J (1967) Pays des Maa', Domaine des Genies: Nggar Maa', Nggar Yaang. Publ. Ecole Francais d'Extreme Orient, Paris. Vol.LXII, 143 pp + An.
- ^ Le Ba Thao, Hoang Ma, et al. (2014) Vien han lam khoa hoc xa hoi Viet Nam - Vien dan toc hoc. 2014. Cac dan toc it nguoi o Viet Nam: cac tinh phia nam. Ha Noi: Nha xuat ban khoa hoc xa hoi. ISBN 978-604-90-2436-8
- ^ Le, Tan Duong (2003) A phonological comparison of Maa and Koho varieties. Master's thesis, Payap University.
- ^ "54 Ethnic People of Vietnam". Retrieved 1 January 2013.
