Chinese Derung People

The Derung people are an ethnic group. They form one of the officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. Their population of 6,000 is found in Yunnan province. Another 600 can be found along the Nu Jiang in the northern County.

Language

The Derung speak the Derung language, a Sino-Tibetan language. Their language is unwritten; in the past the Derung have transmitted messages and have made records by making notchs in trunks of wood.

History

There are few documents about the origins of the Derung. It is known, nevertheless, that during the period of the Tang dynasty, the Derung were under the jurisdiction of the kingdoms of Nanzhao and .
Later on, from the Yuan dynasty to the Qing dynasty, the Derung were governed by the local heads of the Naxi. In 1913, the Derung helped to repel a British attack in the area.
Until 1949 there were several names used for this ethnic group; they received names as ''Qiao'' during the Yuan dynasty and ''Qiu'' and ''Qu'' during the Qing dynasty.

Culture

Prior to the formation of the People's Republic, Derung society was based on a system of clans. A total of 15 clans existed, called ''nile''; each one of them was formed by diverse familiar communities. Each clan divided itself in ''ke'eng'', towns in which the Derung lived in common houses. The marriages between clans were prohibited.
The typical dress of the women consists of a dress made in fabric lined on colors black and white. Formerly, the women used to tattoo their faces, when they reached the age of twelve or thirteen. The tattoos of some women resembled masculine moustaches.
The houses are usually constructed out of wood. They are two stories in height; the second floor is designed as the living quarters for the family whereas the first level serves as a barn and stable. When a male member of the family is married, a new section is added to the family's house where he and his new wife will live in.

Religion

Although some Derung have converted to Christianity, the vast majority continue to believe in their animist native religion. There is a belief that all the creatures have their own souls. Usually diverse sacrifices are made in order to calm down the malignant spirits.
The role of the shaman is of great importance since they are the ones in charge of the rituals. During the celebrations of the Derung New Year, which is celebrated in the month of December of the lunar calendar, diverse animal sacrifices are celebrated to make an offering to the sky.