SOME FOSSILIZED ARTIFACTS OF WATER-RIVER CULTURE IN THE DAO ETHNIC’S LIFE IN VIETNAM

Abstract

The Dao ethnic group that emigrated to Vietnam from the 12th century is now
living and cultivating in mountainous areas in Northwest provinces, including Cao Bang,
Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Son La,
Dien Bien, Quang Ninh, and Hoa Binh. From the 1990s, some segments of Dao ethnics
have moved toward the South and lived in Highland and Southeast regions. Research
findings gathered by the author over the last 15 years show fossilized artifacts related to
the water-river culture. This paper introduces some evidence indicating water-river culture
in the Dao ethnics’ spiritual life in Vietnam.