Stieng ethnic group

Other names: Xa Dieng or Xa Chieng.

Local groups: Bu Lo, Bu Dek (Bu Deh), Bu Biek.

Population: 50,194 people.

Language: The Stieng language belongs to the Mon-Khmer language group (Austroasiatic language family). It is fairly close to the Ma, Mnong and Cho Ro languages. The writing system was formed before 1975, followed the Latin alphabet.

History: The Stieng are long time inhabitants of the southeastern section of the Truong Son - Tay Nguyen central highlands region.

Production activities: The main source of food is rice, with 80% of the crop cultivated on terraced fields. The Bu Lo group lives higher on the mountain and deeper in the forest; thus, they only work on terraced fields. The Bu Deh group lives in the lower area; hence, they have cultivated wet fields for 100 years. Their cultivating technique is exactly like that of the Viet. There are various kinds of rice planted on terraced fields. They are planted with the "slash and burn" technique, sowing seeds with the aid of the digging stick. As a consequence, the outcome of a harvest depends much on nature, and on protecting the crop from birds. Stieng work tools include the axe and knife used to cut down trees. After burning down the trees, they use a five-tined rake to tidy up, then burn the trees again. To sow the seeds, the Stieng use two pointed sticks, one in each hand. They use hoes to weed, and hands to harvest the rice crop. Fruit picking, hunting, and fishing bring back practical benefits. Popular domestic animals are water buffalo, cow, pig, and dog; some Stieng even raise elephant. The main poultry raised is chicken. Handicrafts include weaving and plaiting. The Stieng used to trade directly for their goods, but now they use money. The Stieng enjoy trading relations with the Viet, Khmer, Mnong, and Ma people, and with groups living in Cambodia.

Diet: The Stieng eat rice and sticky rice. Their main source of foods comes from the forest or the rivers, although today they also get food from the markets. Traditional beverages are water and rice wine. Food and water containers are all made from dried gourds. The Stieng smoke tobacco by pipes (rarely seen nowadays).

Lifestyle: The majority of the Stieng live in Binh Phuoc province, some in Tay Ninh and Dong Nai. In higher elevations, the Stieng live in houses built directly on the ground, covered with roofs that almost touch the floor. In some places, the side roofs bends into a circle. Doors are located on the sides, and in the front.
In lower elevations, the Stieng live in magnificent stilt houses. In the old days, each village was comprised of only a couple of long communal houses. Nowadays, private homes are becoming more common.

Clothing: Normally, men wore loin cloths, with no shirt; women wore shirts with wrapped skirts. Poorer women used to wear loin cloths as well. Women like to wear lots of jewelry, usually metal and beaded, jewelry. One woman might wear up to 20 aluminum or silver bracelets. Stieng women may also wrap copper strands around their arms and legs. Big earrings made from elephant horn are very popular. Today, men and women wear shirts and blouses. If they live near the Khmer, the Stieng women may adopt the Khmer style of wrapped skirts.

Transportation: Baskets are commonly used. The way the Stieng carry baskets is similar to that of other ethnic groups in the region. Stieng groups who live near the Viet and Khmer may transport their goods using a cart pulled by two oxen or buffalo a method that has long been a popular means of transportation.

Social organization: Each couple with their children comprises one "kitchen" (nak). Many "kitchens" combine into one household. Each Stieng village has couple of households. Lately the number of households have increased, due to the fact that many families are splitting off on their own. Each individual is not only a member of a "kitchen," a house, a village, but also of a certain family clan, as well as of some other blood relations. With regards to the traditional social system, a village is a complete and significant unit. The oldest man and other older men in the village play special, important roles. In the past, although there were some wealthy families, the majority were poor and there was the practices of servitude.