Ake Ethnic People

Overview

The Ake people (阿克人), also known as the “Gek” by themselves, are an ethnic group primarily found in the Xishuangbanna region (西双版纳) of China, extending to the northern border of Laos. They belong to the ancient Khmer people and are mainly distributed in the Jinghong (景洪) city of Xishuangbanna and the Mengla (勐腊) county. The population of the Ake people is around 6,000, and their settlements are mainly located along the Nanahe, Nalianghe, Nanmanhe, and Nanahe rivers, with some communities in Manmai Village (曼迈村) of Gasa Township (嘎洒乡).

Historically, the Ake people were once part of a mighty kingdom that thrived around Tianfeng Mountain (天峰山) in Mengla County. They were known for extracting salt from Moxie Wells (磨歇井), which was sold to neighboring countries like Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. However, by the 1950s, they were still transitioning from a primitive society to a slave society, relying on slash-and-burn agriculture and low productivity.

Language and Surnames

The Ake language is similar to the Hani language (哈尼语), allowing communication between the two ethnic groups.

The Ake people have interesting and unique surnames, which can be both indigenous and Han Chinese. Like the Hani people, the Ake follow a father-son naming system where the father’s name is passed down to the children. A person’s full name consists of a surname and a given name. Additionally, the Ake people share the tradition of “Zige” (资戈), or reciting their family tree, with every adult able to recite their genealogy without missing a single generation.

Traditional Clothing

The Ake men’s clothing is similar to that of the Hani people. However, the women’s attire differs significantly. Women wear collarless, shoulder-hanging short tops, with the sleeves and lower edges decorated with floral cloth and braided fabric. The skirt, made of self-dyed blue cloth, features horizontal stripes in red, white, and green, while the lower legs are wrapped with leg guards adorned with intricate patterns.

Cultural Customs

The Ake people celebrate several traditional festivals:

Wotuo Festival (窝托节) in December, also known as the Pounded Rice Festival (舂粑粑节).

Yelie Festival (耶列节) in February, also called the Tangyuan Festival (汤圆节).

They have a tradition of moving into new homes and continue to practice beliefs rooted in primitive religions.

Marriage Customs

The Ake people have a long-standing tradition of avoiding intermarriage with the Dai people (傣族), believing that marrying into the Dai community would cause their souls to be washed away by water. In the past, they did not marry outside of their ethnic group, but this custom has changed in recent years, and intermarriage with other ethnic groups is now possible.

Housing

The Ake people traditionally live in stilted bamboo houses or ground-level flat houses with thatched roofs and bamboo fences. Those who have moved to the plains have adopted the Dai-style bamboo houses or tile-roofed homes.

Before constructing a new home, the Ake man selects wood for the pillars and beams, while the woman gathers thatch for the roof. They invite friends and family to help prepare materials, and a lucky day is chosen for laying the foundation. After leveling the ground, they set up a central column and a “dog column”. When erecting the central pillar, a bamboo “wind wheel” (风转轮) and the man’s clothing are tied to the pillar to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. A dog is then sacrificed, and its blood is smeared on the pillar. The dog’s body is carried around the foundation three times to complete the ritual.

The Ake people are deeply reverent of their ancestors and believe in spirits and deities. To honor the spirits, they use dog blood during rituals, seeking protection and blessings. After the ritual, they pour distilled water into a hole in the pillar, believing that it kills ants and other pests, thus preserving the pillar’s integrity forever.

Religion and Beliefs

The Ake people practice animism, worshipping nature and spirits. Their religious rituals, such as using dog blood to honor spirits, play a vital role in their culture. This connection with nature and the spiritual world continues to guide their practices today.

Ake Ethnic Festivals

1. Wotuo Festival (窝托节)

Date: Every December (specific dates vary by village)

Activities:

  • Sacrificial Ceremony: The village elder leads the ritual, praying for a bountiful harvest and safety.

  • Song and Dance Performances: Villagers perform traditional dances, such as the “Pounded Rice Dance” (舂粑粑舞) and “Bronze Drum Dance” (铜鼓舞).

  • Long Street Feast: A variety of delicious foods, such as glutinous rice cakes and rice wine, are prepared to entertain guests.

Cultural Significance: The most important festival for the Ake people, symbolizing unity and gratitude.

2. Yelie Festival (耶列节) – Tangyuan Festival (汤圆节)

Date: Second month of the lunar calendar.

Feature: The making of Tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings) to honor ancestors, symbolizing reunion and blessings.

3. New House Ceremony (上新房仪式)

Date: Not a fixed holiday, held during the construction of a new stilt house.

Activities: Rituals are performed to honor the fire god and ancestors as part of the blessing for the new home.


Note: The Ake people are a sub-group of the Hani people (哈尼族) and primarily live in Mengla (勐腊) and Jinghong (景洪) in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), Yunnan Province. Their population is approximately 6,000 people.