Kam people

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Ethic Dong Liping Guizhou China

Kam-Sui autonomous prefectures and counties in China

Kam-Sui people

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1 zhaoxing 2015

ZhaoxingDrumTower

Kam people are an ethnic group predominantly found in southeastern China, particularly in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the neighboring Hunan province. They are one of the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups by the Chinese government. The Kam are more widely known by their official Chinese name, Dong (侗), and are famous for their rich cultural heritage, including their traditional architecture, textiles, music, and festivals.

History

The history of the Kam people traces back over a millennium in the hills of southern China. Their origins are often shrouded in mythology and folklore, with historical records dating back to the Tang Dynasty when they were mentioned in Chinese annals. Over centuries, the Kam have maintained a distinct identity, language, and culture despite various external influences and the changing dynasties in China.

Language

The Kam people speak the Kam language, which belongs to the Kam–Sui branch of the Tai-Kadai language family. The language is known for its rich tonal system. Despite its significance in Kam cultural identity, the language faces challenges of diminishing fluency among younger generations due to the influence of Mandarin Chinese, the national language of China.

Culture

Architecture

One of the most distinctive aspects of Kam culture is their traditional wooden houses, known as "Diaojiaolou." These are stilt houses designed to protect against floods and wild animals. The Kam villages are also famous for their Drum Towers, which serve as community centers and symbols of the village. The Drum Tower is an architectural marvel, showcasing the Kam people's exquisite craftsmanship without the use of nails or rivets.

Textiles

The Kam are also renowned for their textile arts, particularly their handwoven fabrics and intricate embroidery. Kam women traditionally wear indigo-dyed clothing decorated with elaborate designs that signify their marital status, age, and social standing.

Music

Another significant aspect of Kam culture is their polyphonic choir singing, known as Kam Grand Choir, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This form of singing does not require any accompanying instruments and is a testament to the Kam people's extraordinary musical talent and tradition.

Festivals

The Kam people celebrate various festivals throughout the year, with the most famous being the Dong New Year, also known as the "Kam Grand Song Festival." This festival is a time for the Kam communities to come together, celebrate their cultural heritage, sing traditional songs, and perform dances.

Religion

The Kam people practice a form of animism intertwined with ancestor worship. They believe in a multitude of spirits inhabiting the natural world and pay respect to their ancestors through various rituals and ceremonies.

Challenges

Today, the Kam people face challenges related to modernization and cultural assimilation. The younger generation's migration to cities for work and the influence of mainstream Han Chinese culture threaten the preservation of Kam traditions and language. However, efforts are being made to document and revitalize Kam cultural practices and promote sustainable tourism in Kam regions to celebrate and preserve their unique heritage.