Akha Jijor in Laos

Introduction / History

The Jijor (probably Chichor) people are a subgroup of the Akha ethnic minority in northern Laos, particularly Phongsaly and Luang Namtha. However, the many different Akha tribes make up the 9th largest ethnic group in Laos. They migrated from China, likely in the 16th or 17th centuries fleeing unrest, with a significant influx in the early 20th century due to civil unrest in China and Myanmar. The language of the Akha is part of the Tibeto-Burman family, and they maintain an oral tradition without a written script. The Jijor oral traditions preserve migration routes and genealogies spanning over 60 generations, a practice likely upheld by Jijor men.

All Akha subgroups speak dialects of the Akha language. Dialects vary, but most understand the jeu g’oe dialect used in southern China, Thailand, and Myanmar. While some of the tribes do interact some, they remain distinct. Sometimes significant language differences exist with some groups: they speak completely unintelligible languages to other Akha. The gospel does not naturally flow from one group to the next.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Akha are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, patriarchal society and vibrant cultural practices, including intricate embroidered clothing and apparel. Akha society sees men as headmen overseeing rituals and disputes, while women handle domestic tasks and making crafts, with fewer rights. Akha Jijor women are known for their elaborate headdresses (u-coe), which are unique to each subgroup and wearer, signifying age, marital status, and clan. While specific Jijor headdress designs aren’t detailed, these headdresses are adorned with silver coins, beads, and feathers, sometimes weighing up to 11 pounds, and are worn constantly, even during sleep or fieldwork.

Jijor village chiefs organize villages by clans, maintaining a distinct clan identity within the broader Akha ethnic group. They practice slash-and-burn agriculture to grow rice, corn, and historically opium, though opium cultivation is discouraged today. Villages often lack electricity and running water, with homes built on stilts. Environmental pressures force relocation every generation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jijor practice animism and ancestor worship, believing in good spirits (ancestral, house and village spirits) and bad spirits (forest, river spirits). Rituals, such as the Swing Festival (late August, marking Women’s New Year), involve offerings, dances and traditional clothing to honor ancestors. People with this worldview are often the most open to the gospel since Christ offers protection from the spirits. Some Jijor may blend Christianity with traditional beliefs due to missionary influence since the mid-20th century.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jijor, like other remote Akha with no written language, are among Laos’ poorest groups. Like most people in rural Laos, the Jijor need better schools. Living outside the mainstream economy, they face prejudice and being called derogatory names like kh

Prayer Points

Pray that the Jijor people bound by spirit worship will find freedom and salvation in Christ.
Pray that the Lord will give them dreams of his loving and omnipotent Holy Spirit, who will protect them and guide them.
Pray that people who love God will visit the Jijor and demonstrate his character.
Pray for disciples who will inspire a movements to Christ.
Pray for Laotian authorities who closely monitor Christians and threaten them to stop their Christian activities. Pray that God will open their eyes and hearts.

Text Source:   Joshua Project