Black Lisu

The Black Lisu are an ethnic group primarily found in China, with some populations extending into Myanmar and Thailand. They are distinguished from other Lisu groups, such as the White Lisu and Flowery Lisu, by their lower degree of assimilation into Chinese culture. Historically, the Black Lisu lived in the higher regions of the Salween River valley and wore clothing made from homespun hemp, in contrast to the more colorful attire of other Lisu groups.

Their traditional lifestyle involves cultivating hill rice, corn, and buckwheat on shifting fields, using hoes for cultivation. They live in houses constructed from wood and bamboo. Hunting is practiced using crossbows, poisoned arrows, and dogs. Socially, they have a clan organization, with marriage occurring between different clans. Their religious beliefs incorporate ancestor veneration, animism, and the worship of earth, sky, wind, lightning, and forest deities.1