The O Du people innovate
(Baonghean.vn) - The O Du ethnic group is the smallest ethnic minority in Nghe An with a population of less than 1,000 people. Tuong Duong district is also the only locality in the country with the O Du ethnic group. Living along the banks of the Nam Non and Nam Mo rivers, the O Du people used to have their own language and writing, but over time it has faded and disappeared. This community also faces the risk of cultural and racial change. Up to now, with the attention of the Party and the State, the O Du people have made many changes.
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The O Du people earn their living mainly by slash-and-burn farming, gathering and hunting. In 2006, the Ban Ve Hydropower Plant was built, and the O Du people were relocated to resettle in Vang Mon village, Nga My commune, Tuong Duong district. In the photo is the Vang Mon village community cultural house. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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After years of settling in the new land, the O Du people have gradually changed their thinking and ways of doing things to adapt to life. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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In production and daily life, the O Du people still retain many cultural features of their ethnic group. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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Most O Du men know how to weave fishing nets to catch fish. This is also a tradition of this community. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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The O Du people are now accustomed to raising large livestock. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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Instead of grazing cattle in the forest, people have kept them in captivity and grown elephant grass and milkweed as food for them. In the photo, an O Du person carries grass for the cows. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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Vegetable garden of O Du people in Vang Mon village. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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An O Du woman takes care of her vegetable garden. Photo: Dinh Tuan |
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Many houses of the O Du people are not much different from those of the Thai ethnic group. This shows that the culture of this community has been mixed and encroached over time. Photo: Dinh Tuan |