On the Origin of the Lahu People from the Di Ethnic Group การศึกษาวิเคราะห์ต้นกำเนิดของชนเผ่าลาหู่จากชนเผ่าตีโบราณ

Abstract

The Lahu people are a member of the Chinese nation and a cross-border ethnic group, primarily distributed in China and Thailand, with smaller populations in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos. Domestic scholars generally believe that the Lahu originated from the Di-Qiang ethnic groups. However, the Di and Qiang were historically distinct peoples. This paper focuses on the high probability of cultural synthesis between the Lahu and the ancient Di people, employing a combination of literature research and field investigations. It thoroughly analyzes historical records such as Records of the Grand Historian, Chronicles of Huayang, Commentary on the Water Classic, and Book of the Southern Barbarians to examine the historical and cultural connections between the Lahu and the Di. The study concludes that the Lahu are descendants of the Di who migrated from Wudu through the Yinping route into Sichuan, passing through Ya'an and Xichang before finally settling in Yunnan. This research holds theoretical significance for understanding the historical process of the Chinese nation’s formation—from extensive interaction and deep integration to the eventual establishment of a national community.