Samtao in Laos


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Samtao are thought to be from the Wa tribe. The Samtao converted to Theravada Buddhism from animism. After generations of separation from the Wa animist, the Samtao came with their own language and culture. The Samtao language is related to other Mon-Khmer languages (De 'ang, Wa, and Bulang). Over 2,000 Samtao live in Laos.


Where Are they Located?

The Samtao live in China, Laos, and Myanmar. The Samtao of Laos live in the northeast part of the country.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Samtao families may be monogamous or polygamous. To become a polygamous family, the husband must first receive permission from the village leader. In some Samtao families infant marriage is arranged. The Samtao grow crops such as tea, maize, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. The Samatao men often tattoo their limbs and torsos with passages from the Buddhist scriptures.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Samtao practice Theravada Buddhism. It was introduced to their culture 900 years ago. The Samtao practice Buddhism mixed with animism. They revere the spirits of the forest, village, and house and they observe animal rituals. For instance when a Samtao man dies his family calls a chicken to call back the person's soul. The person is then redressed and positioned between two white sheets.


What Are Their Needs?

There are no known Samtao Christians in Laos. There is a great need for the gospel to be lived and preached among these people.


Prayer Points

Pray that even now the Spirit would work in Samtao hearts.
Pray that God would raise up missionaries from neighboring tribes to go to the Samtao.
Pray that the Gospel would reach the Samtao and that it would be received.
Pray that a Samtao church would be birthed.


Scripture Prayers for the Samtao in Laos.


References

http://www.millionelephants.com/UPGs/samtao.html
http://goo.gl/6hnJ9


Profile Source:   Rachel Routt  

People Name General Samtao
People Name in Country Samtao
Pronunciation Sahm-taow
Alternate Names Blang; Bo Kho Pa; Bulang; Col; Con; Kawa; Kem Degne; Kiorr; Kontoi; Lua; Mu Di Pa; Phula; Pula; Pulang; Sam Tao; Samtau; Samtuan; Sen Chun; Xamtao
Population this Country 3,700
Population all Countries 15,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 0  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 14680
ROP3 Code 108587
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Bokeo Province, Houay Xai district.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Laos
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 21  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Bokeo Province, Houay Xai district..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

No people group map currently available. Use the above button to submit a map.


Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
89.83 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.17 %)
0.17 %
Ethnic Religions
10.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Samtao (3,700 speakers)
Language Code stu   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Samtao (3,700 speakers)
Language Code stu   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Samtao

Primary Language:  Samtao

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anonymous 
Profile Source Rachel Routt 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


Joshua Project logo    Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us   Copyright © 2024