The Jaweuy (may be related to the Jeu g’oe) people live in 7 villages in Luang Namtha province. An ethnic group, they exist as one of the Akha tribes in Laos. The Jaweuy people are a lesser-documented subgroup of the Akha ethnic minority in Laos. However, the many different Akha tribes make up the 9th largest ethnic group in Laos. They migrated from China, likely in the 16th or 17th centuries fleeing unrest, and also later in the 20th century.The language of the Akha is part of the Tibeto-Burman family, and they maintain an oral tradition without a written script. All Akha subgroups speak dialects of the Akha language. Dialects vary, but most understand the jeu g’oe dialect used in southern China, Thailand, and Myanmar. While some of the tribes do interact to some extent, they remain distinct. Sometimes significant language differences exist with some groups: they speak completely unintelligible languages to other Akha. The gospel does not naturally flow from one group to the next.
Living semi-nomadically, subgroups like the Jaweuy live in small villages (300–350 people) built from bamboo and thatch, featuring “spirit gates” with carvings to ward off evil spirits. Houses are gender-divided, reflecting spiritual beliefs. Akha society is patriarchal, with men as headmen overseeing rituals and disputes. Women handle domestic tasks and crafting, with fewer rights. Akha women across subgroups wear elaborate headdresses (u-coe), adorned with silver coins, beads, and threads, signifying age, marital status, and subgroup identity. These can weigh several kilograms and are rarely removed. Men often wear modern clothing, though some retain traditional blue trousers and jackets. The Jaweuy most likely practice slash-and-burn agriculture, growing rice and corn as well as raising chickens, goats and water buffalo. Historically, some Akha subgroups cultivated opium, and some still do.
The Jaweuy, like most Akha subgroups, practice animism, worshipping ancestors and nature spirits. They fear the spirit world and believe they can be helped or harmed by these spirits. Often, they get the help of shamans and other religious specialists for rituals to appease spirits. Rituals like “yukham” (postpartum fire rituals) and “kalum” (temporary prohibitions) are common. People with this worldview often open their hearts more quickly to the gospel since Christ offers protection from the spirits. Some have adopted Christianity, blending it with animism.
All Akha subgroups, including Jaweuy, are among the poorest hill tribes, with limited access to education, healthcare, or electricity. Opium addiction affects one in ten Akha, and HIV/AIDS rates are high, with women often bearing economic burdens.
Pray that God will give wisdom, courage and joy to front-line workers in remote and difficult areas of Laos.Pray for the Holy Spirit to do miracles among the Jaweuy people, showing them God’s power and care.Pray for a movement to Christ among the Akha people.Pray for their physical and spiritual needs to be met by our generous God.
Scripture Prayers for the Akha Jaweuy in Laos.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akha_people
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
