Name
of Ethnic Group: Cho Ro (Do-Ro).
Population: More than
15,000 people.
Locality: Dong Nai,
Binh Thuan and Song Be Provinces.
Customs and Habits: The Cho
Ro live in houses built on stilts and on the ground. Both patriarchal
and matriarchal customs have significance in the family life of the
Cho Ro. The Cho Ro believe that all things have souls and spirits. These
spirits have an invisible control over humans which forces them to become
involved in worshipping rituals and puts special taboos on them. The
most important worshipping ritual is the one that pays respect to the
souls of the forest and the rice plant.
Culture: Cho Ro language
belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group and has close ties to the Ma and the
Xtieng languages. Their musical instruments are comprised of a set of
seven-pattern gongs, string instruments with a bamboo sound-box, and
alternating songs.
Costumes: The Cho Ro have adopted the Kinh
style of dress. The women wear necklaces and bracelets made of copper,
silver, or beads.
Economy: The main economic
activity practiced is slash-and-burn cultivation. In certain places,
rice cultivation in submerged fields has been developed. Animal husbandry,
hunting, gathering, fishing, basketry, and wood carving are other sideline
occupations.