Yi ethnic group

Author: Editorial Committee of "Illustrated Album of Yunnan's Ethnic Minorities"
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not Available
Features: The Achang ethnic group currently has a population of 27,700, with 27,600 residing in Yunnan. They primarily inhabit Huse Township in Longchuan County and Zhidao and Dacha Townships in Lianghe County in western Yunnan. The Achang are one of the earliest indigenous ethnic groups in Yunnan, originating from a part of the ancient "Xunchuan" tribes. They have been living in the Nujiang River Basin as far back as the 2nd century AD. In the 5th and 6th centuries AD, some of them migrated southwestward and settled in Longchuan and Lianghe, where they were later referred to as "Ebao" during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Today, the people in Huse area call themselves "Mongsa," "Mongsachen," or "Cinsa," while those in Lianghe area identify as "Hansha" or "Achang." After the liberation, they were officially named "Achang." The Achang have their own language but no written script. Due to their unique geographical environment, most Achang men speak both Chinese and Dai, and some can also speak Burmese and Jingpo. The "Huse Knives" produced by the Achang are renowned both domestically and internationally. However, the Achang people who make these knives are exceptionally gentle. Young men who carry knives at all times often have a melodious three-leaf flute with them. Whether during their travels, breaks from labor, or when encountering someone they love, they will play the flute, its sound ethereal and enchanting.