Lamet people

The Lamet people are an ethnic group in Thailand and Laos.

[edit] Name Variations

Lamet are also often referred to as:^{[citation needed]}

• Lamed
• Khamet
• Khamed

[edit] Geographic Distribution

There are approximately 22,000 Lamet in the Louang Namtha Province, Oudomxai and Bokeo Provinces of Laos.^{[citation needed]} There are also approximately 100 Lamet in Thailand in the Chiang Rai and Lampang Provinces.^{[citation needed]}There are also 90 Lamet in the United States and 30 in France.^{[citation needed]} In Laos, the Lamet are a hill tribe.

[edit] Origin

The Lamet claim to be an indigenous population to northwestern Laos.^[1] They are a Palaungic ethnic group.

[edit] Language

The Lamet speak an Austro-Asiatic language related to Palaung and Wa.^[1] Most adult males also speak Tai Yuan.^[1]

[edit] Economy

The Lamet practice slash-and-burn agriculture, as well as hunting, gathering and fishing.^[1] The Lamet trade with the Lao and Thai to obtain their necessaries.^[1] Some Lamet also work for wages.^[1]

[edit] Religions

• Animism^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Marriage customs

After marriage, the newly married Lamet man moves into his wife's family home and works for her father. He then begins to make marriage payments up to a fixed amount, after which the couple either moves in with the husband's parents, or the couple makes a new household.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Significance of Wealth

Wealth is considered an important characteristic among male Lamet. For the Lamet, weatlh is measured by one's inventory of buffalo, chimes, and bronze drums.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} World Culture Encyclopedia-Lamet