Ba Na ethnic group

Name of ethnic group: Ba Na (To Lo, Krem, Con Kde, Ala Cong, Krang).
Population: 174,456 people (Year 1999).
Locality: Kon Tum Province and the western parts of Binh Dinh and Phu Yen Provinces.

Customs and habits

The Ba Na lives in houses built on stilts. In each village, there is a communal house called rong which stands out due to its height and beauty. According to matrimonial customs, a young man and woman can take the initiative in marriage, and the parents are only involved to ensure the respect of traditional principles. After the birth of the first child, they are allowed to set up their own family environment. The Ba Na venerates the spirits which relate to human beings.

Culture

The Ba Na language belongs to the Mon Khmer Group. Their musical instruments are very diversified with various combinations of gong sets, t'rung xylophones, bro, klong put, ko ni, khinh khung, and to tiep trumpets. The aesthetics of the Ba Na are expressed in their unique woodcarvings and extraordinary decorative crafts.

Costumes

The men tend to wear loincloths and the women wear sarongs.

Economy

Their main source of income is slash-and-burn agriculture and the rearing of livestock. Almost every village has forges to make metal products. Women also weave cloth to make their families garments and the men practice basketry and mat-making, the Ba Na often barter goods.