Khuen people
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 9,500 (est.) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Laos, China | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional religion, Theravada Buddhism |
The Khuen (or Khuen, Kuan, Kuanhua, Kween, Khween, Khouen) people are an aboriginal ethnic group of Laos.
Language
The Khuen speak a language also called Khuen, which is a Khmuic language.[1] The Khmuic languages are Austro-Asiatic.[1] There is some debate as to whether the Khmuic languages are of the Mon-Khmer branch, but the majority opinion is that they are not.[citation needed]
Geographic distribution
- Population in Laos: 8000 in Luang Namtha Province[1]
- Population in China: 1500, centered on Jinghong in Southern China[citation needed]
- Population in United States: Unknown
Customs
As a fellow member of the larger Khmuic ethnic group, many aspects of Khuen culture are similar to the Khmu.[citation needed] Family names are usually the names of sacred animals or plants. It is taboo for a Khuen person to touch the animal or plant that bears his or her family name.[citation needed]
Religion
In addition to Theravada Buddhism, they also worship a hierarchy of demons and ghosts. Ancestor worship is also practiced.[citation needed]
References
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