Subgroups
The Lahu divide themselves into a number of subgroups, such as the Lahu Na (Black Lahu), Lahu Nyi (Red Lahu), Lahu Hpu (White Lahu), Lahu Shi (Yellow Lahu) and the Lahu Shehleh. Where a subgroup name refers to a color, it refers to the traditional color of their dress. These groups do not function as tribes or clans - there are no kin groups above that of the family. Lahu trace descent bilaterally, and typically practice matrilocal residence.
Bradley (1979) lists the following Lahu ethnic subgroups.
- Black Lahu
- Lahu Na
- Meuneu (Shan, 'north country')
- Meun Pulon
- Shehvi (Hsenwi)
- Bawfa (Shanised)
- Hkahka: (known only to Bradley's Akha informants)
- Panai (known only to Bradley's Akha informants)
- Divergent Lahu Na dialects
- Kaishin: (Chinese 'exchange hearts')
- Hpu: ('white')
- Hu:paw
- Kulao
- Namhpehn (hpeh)
- Lalaw (na)
- Laba
- Huli
- Lahu Nyi ('red')
- Nyi
- Venya ('go to town')
- Kulao: (not the same as Hpu: type Lahu Kulao)
- Shehleh (Red Lahu name)
- Laho Na ('black') / Shehleh
- Laho Namoe
- Laho A:leh
- Yellow Lahu
- 'Like Black Lahu'
- A:ga / A:do'aga (Black Lahu name)
- A:hpube:le: (Yellow Lahu 'bent gourd'; own name)
- Shi: Bankeo:
- Laho Shi
- Banlan (black name)
- Menhke (yellow name)
- Divergent
- Lahu Meh
- Lahu Lawmeh
- Lahu Velon ('big town')
- Unclassified
- Kawsung
- Pawla
- Khapaw
- Cili
- Senling
- Nambawpe
- Si Pyeng ('yellow-Pyeng')
- Si Pü ('yellow - white')
- Hai (Chinese 'black' ?)
- Non-Lahu (some have "become" Lahu)
- Micha (Lisoid group)
- Bana (Akoid group)
Read more about this topic: Lahu People