The Lamet are among the original inhabitants of the northwestern region of Laos. They are related to the Lao Thung (the "mountainside Laotians") who live west of the Annamite Chain. The Lao Thung make up approximately one-quarter of the total population of Laos; whereas the Lamet number only a small fraction of that number.
The Lamet live in villages that are scattered throughout the remote mountain regions of northwestern Laos. There are a few in Thailand as well. The Lamet speak Rmeet.
The Lamet sometimes go to the lowlands to find part-time wage-earning jobs so they might purchase necessary items. Sadly, they are regarded as inferior by those who inhabit the lowlands and are often referred to as kha (slaves). Some of the Lamet have accepted this status and use local myths to rationalize their position.
The Lamet engage in farming and hunting. The farmers primarily use the "slash and burn" method of agriculture. Rice is their staple crop. Trading is done with the Lao and Thai for items such as tools, clothes and pottery.
Lamet villages are self-contained and self-sufficient. There are very few political or social customs that extend beyond the village. Each household consists of about six to seven members. Family roles are clearly defined in the Lamet household; the male head of the household sits in village meetings and makes all decisions concerning the family.
Lamet houses are built on wooden or bamboo piles and have indoor kitchens. The village is usually divided in half by the men's common house, or meeting place, in the middle of the village. They also have a special house for the spirits in the middle of their villages.
Lamet people do not marry within their clan to avoid inbreeding. After marriage, the newly married man lives with his wife's family and works for her father. The man then begins to make marriage payments. When all is paid, the couple either sets up their own household or moves in with the husband's father.
Differences in wealth exist in most villages, and these differences affect the function of the village. The village headmen, or pho ban, serve as a link between the Lao officials and the villagers. Some of the headmen have secured their positions simply because they were wealthy.
Among the Lamet, there is a clear line of distinction drawn between those who are wealthy and those who are not. To acquire the status of lem, or "one who is wealthy," a man must acquire wealth in the form of buffalo, chimes and bronze drums and be "acknowledged" by an established lem. The village lem are responsible for settling disputes and making important decisions.
The Lamet are primarily animists (believe that non-living objects have spirits). They call these spirits phi. They believe that the phi dwell everywhere and cause both good and evil. The Lamet are also involved in ancestor worship (praying to the dead for help and guidance). Ancestor spirits are important to the Lamet because they supposedly look out for the well-being of the household.
The Lamet enjoy various religious celebrations and village ceremonies. These are usually conducted by the spirit practitioner, or xemia, who is responsible for making all the sacrifices to the village spirits.
Communication with the Lamet is not easy because of the rough terrain and the isolation of the region in which they live. They need better roads.
Pray for these precious people to find true inner peace.
Pray that God will send forth dedicatred laborers to work among the Lamet in Laos.
Pray that missions organizations and churches will accept the challenge of adopting and reaching the Lamet.
Pray that the few Lamet believers will rise to the challenge of taking the gospel to their people.
Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Lamet who will boldly declare the gospel.
Scripture Prayers for the Lamet in Laos.
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Lamet_people
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| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
