Bo Y ethnic group

Proper name: Bo Y.

Other names: Chung Cha, Trong Gia.

Local groups: Bo Y and Tu Di.

Population: 1,420 people.

Language: The Bo Y group speaks Tay-Thai languages (which belongs to the Tai- Kadai language family while the Tu Di speak Han or Chinese (Sino-Tibetan language family).
The unique beauty of Bo Y women's clothing is revealed in vivid colors and motifs created by batik. Weaving, dyeing, and the creation of traditional fashions are seen in this illustration.
Photo: Mai Thanh Son
History: The first Bo Y people traveled south to Vietnam from China about 150 years ago.
Production activities: The Bo Y people were originally experienced in wet rice cultivation. However, since settling in the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam, they have had to rely mainly on slash-and-burn agriculture- primarily growing corn, their main crop. In addition, each family usually has a vegetable garden. Apart from raising livestock and poultry, the local people are also involved in various crafts such as cloth weaving, black-smithing, pottery-making, stone carving, silver engraving, plaiting and woodwork, etc.
Clothing: Formerly, Bo Y women wore full skirts like those worn by the Hmong, and ornamented with batik bee's wax designs and dyed indigo. The blouse is short, often having five panels with a bodice covering the chest and abdomen. Silver ornaments are popular, such as necklaces, wrist chains and ear-rings. The women wear their hair wound in a chignon at the top of their head. Their headgear is traditionally an indigo turban which is ornamented with colorful embroidery. Nowadays, some Bo Y people have adopted the neighboring Nung's way of dressing. Some also wear shirts like the Han but with removable sleeves.
Lifestyle: The Bo Y live in Quan Ba (Ha Giang province) and Muong Khuong (Lao Cai). They live in houses built on the ground with a thatched, wooden or tiled roof and clay walls. The house usually has three sections, with an extra bay for the unmarried boys or used as a rice granary.
Social organization: The society's social classes are clearly defined. The upper classes consist of the village chief (known as Pin Thau) and his assistants (Xeo Phai).