People in Nyingchi
The Deng People
Sparsely scattering across the County of Chayu, the Deng people live in two-storied wood house: the second floor for people and the first floor for livestock and poultry. Big silver ear rings, beads necklace, tight skirt and no shoes are typical dressing for the women while men normally wear a long black scarf and sliver ear rings. They follow the monogamy in patriarchy and inhumation and cremation after death. Both men and women are big wine drinker and smokers. The Deng language belongs to the Tibet-Burma branch of the Sino-Tibetan Language family. Having no written symbols, they use woodcarving and rope knotting to keep record and believe in ghost rather than god.
The Luoba People
Luoba, one of the 56 nationalities in China, means “people living in the area of Luoyu”. Mostly engaged in agriculture and expert in bamboo weaving, they widely use such bamboo utensils as bowel, basin, basket and umbrella etc. They follow monogamy and in some tribes the son uses their father’s name.
Their dressing and living customs vary considerable from different tribes. Men are normally fond of woolen waist long enough to reach one’s belly and hat made of bear fur or vine. Women basically wear round-neck and tight-sleeve short blouse, tight skirt and leg wrappings. They are all fond of various ornaments and jewelries.
Their main foodstuff includes corn, chicken feet grain, rice, and barley. Those who live close to the Tibetan people also eat rice pie, potato and drink ghee tea.
The Menba People
It is among the most ancient people in Tibet. “Menba” refers to the people dwelling in Menyu, which had already been under the reign of the Tibetan local government in the 7th century AD. After the peaceful liberation in 1957 the Menba people became master of their own life.
Being primarily agricultural people, they also carry out animal husbandry, forestry and hunting and widely use stone pan, wooden bowel, and other vine and bamboo utensils. The typical Menba dressings are red robe and fur hat of which the fringe is orange. Women wear bracelets, ear rings while men generally carry a chopping knife. Almost all the Menba People are smokers and they eat rice, corn and barley etc. as main foodstuff. In some place of Menba the practice of primitive witchcrafts remain popular. Having Buddhist belief, they follow monogamy and hold cremation, water and heavenly funeral for the death. Adopting the same calendars and festival as do the Tibetan, the Menba People is also known for their music, dance and abundant folk literature.
The Gongbu Dance
The Gongbu Dance, also called Xiababo, is a very widely spread folk dance. During the festive days, people in pretty costumes will gather and play the dance to exchange hada, highlands barley wine and best wishes. Men and women each form one half of a circle and exchange songs and dances. The dance is highlighted for its primitive simplicity, vigor and boldness.