Name
of Ethnic Group: Co Tu (Gao, Ha, Phuong, and Ca-tang).
Population: Nearly 37,000
people.
Locality: Hien and
Giang Districts in Quang Nam-Danang Province, and A Luoi and Phu Loc
Districts in Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Customs and Habits: The Co Tu believe in and worship
Giang (Genie). The houses are set out in the form of an ellipse. In
the middle of the village is the Rong (Communal House), a large and
beautiful building used for the reception of guests, to hold meetings,
rituals and cultural performances. Patriarchy prevails among the Co
Tu as the children take the family name of their father. The right of
inheritance is reserved only for sons. Marriage dowries are also a common
practice.
Culture: Co Tu language
belongs to the Mon-Khmer Group.
Costumes: Men wear loincloths and leave their
upper torsos naked. Women wear skirts and short vests. In winter they
wear a piece of cloth to keep them warm. Popular ornaments consists
of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Economy: The Co Tu practice a slash and burn cultivation,
often dig holes to plant seeds, practice animal husbandry, weave cloth
and baskets, gather, hunt, and fish. The exchange of products is carried
out by bartering.|