Lao PDR - Rural life - Ethnic minorities

A young Khmu mother washes her young baby in the traditional Khmu way by putting warm water in her mouth and 'spitting' it on the baby, Ban Chaleunsouk, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Khmu are the largest ethnic minority in Laos and belong to the Mon-Khmer sub-branch of the Austroasiatic ethnolinguistic family, who are considered the original inhabitants of Laos. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.

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Filename: 38-06_1_1.jpg
Copyright: Tessa Bunney
Image Size: 3162x3162 / 1.4MB; Asia Lao PDR Laos. Lao PDR Southeast Southeast Asia countryside ethnic ethnic minority minorities minority remote rural Kmhmu Kamu Khamu Khmu wash washing baby young child tradition traditional Luang Namtha Luang Namtha Chaleunsouk
Contained in galleries: Tessa Bunney - All pics, Lao PDR - Rural Life

A young Khmu mother washes her young baby in the traditional Khmu way by putting warm water in her mouth and 'spitting' it on the baby, Ban Chaleunsouk, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Khmu are the largest ethnic minority in Laos and belong to the Mon-Khmer sub-branch of the Austroasiatic ethnolinguistic family, who are considered the original inhabitants of Laos. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.