Akeu in China


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Akeu view themselves as a completely separate ethnic group from the Akha, even though research has shown they are historically related. Indeed, the genealogy of the Akeu is identical to that of the Akha. In China, the Akeu despise being called Akha, and claim they have nothing in common with them. It appears the Akeu may have suffered some great torment or discrimination at the hands of the Akha in the past, resulting in their present separation. The Akeu language is part of the Bi-Ka branch of Tibeto-Burman, related to Kado, Enu and Biyo in China. Their language is distinct from other varieties of Akha.

Akeu people live in two areas of the Gnot-Ou District within Phongsali Province of northern Laos. The Akeu also live in four villages within Menghai and Jinghong counties in southern China (not far from Laos), and in northern Myanmar. A few also live in northern Thailand.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Akeu live in a very isolated world. Until recently they kept records and reminders by carving notches on wood, tying knots on rope, or by counting beans. Weddings are only permitted to take place among the Akeu between January and April each year.

The Akeu have practiced slash-and-burn agriculture for countless generations. Because of this, they are semi-nomadic, usually living in one place no more than four years before they pack up their belongings and look for new land.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The main religion of the Akeu could best be described an ancestor worship. They believe by honoring and worshiping their dead forefathers, that they can secure both a better existence for them in the next life and ensure that their own children will help them after they have died. As most ancestral rites are conducted by the oldest son, it is vital for a Akeu to have male children. If a woman is barren, or only has girls, a Akeu man is allowed a second wife.


What Are Their Needs?

The Akeu people need to find their way to the throne of grace. As it stands, it will be difficult for them to get the gospel resources they need.


Prayer Points

Pray for the authority of Christ to bind hindering spiritual forces to lead them from darkness to light.
Pray for signs and wonders to happen among them and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.
Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.


Scripture Prayers for the Akeu in China.


References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Akeu
People Name in Country Akeu
Pronunciation Ah-ker
Alternate Names
Population this Country 11,000
Population all Countries 16,000
Total Countries 4
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 18899
ROP3 Code 114852
Country China
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 19  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country In 1996 researcher Dwayne Graybill counted 900 Ake, including 95 families living in three villages of Menghai County with additional Ake living in Jinghong County. Both counties are located in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, the most ethnically diverse region in all of China. Small numbers of Ake also live in Laos, Myanmar, and northern Thailand.   Source:  Operation China, 2000
Country China
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 19  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country In 1996 researcher Dwayne Graybill counted 900 Ake, including 95 families living in three villages of Menghai County with additional Ake living in Jinghong County. Both counties are located in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, the most ethnically diverse region in all of China. Small numbers of Ake also live in Laos, Myanmar, and northern Thailand..   Source:  Operation China, 2000
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
90.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
10.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Akeu (11,000 speakers)
Language Code aeu   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Akeu (11,000 speakers)
Language Code aeu   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Akeu
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Joshua Project / Global Mapping International  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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