Kongsat Explained

Group:	Kongsat
Population:	100 (est.)
Popplace:	Laos
Rels:	Animism
Langs:	Lao, Lu

The Kongsat people are an ethnic group in Laos.

Geographic distribution

• Population of approximately 100 in Oudomxai Province of Laos (They inhabit the single village of Nam Nyon Village in Namo District)

Origin

The Kongsat claim that they originated in the Yunnan Province of China. They are a Tai ethnic group.

Culture

The Kongsat have largely assimilated Lao and Lu customs.

Language

The Kongsat are multilingual in Yang, Lao, Lue, Khmu, Pounyot.^[1]

Religion

The Kongsat practice animism.

Celebrations

• Celebration of the Tiger (Day of the Tiger according to the traditional 13-day calendar)
• New Year (celebrated on the 7th day of the first lunar month)
• Birth ceremonies
• House construction ceremonies

Notes and References

1. Chazee, Laurent. The Peoples of Laos: Rural and Ethnic Diversities. 2002. White Lotus Press. Bangkok.