Akha (Ekaw) villages are distinguished by their carved wooden gates, presided over by guardian spirits. The Akha live in raised houses, within which one small room is set aside for paying respect to ancestors.

The focal point of community life is the open ground -- the "common", if you will -- where the tribe celebrates its major festivals, especially that of the Giant Swing and where young men and women come to meet (under the watchful eye of the elders). This tribe is easily recognized by the black caps covered with silver coins, worn by the women.

The Karen are gentle, peaceful, and cooperative people, who, like all the Hilltribes, reserve their highest veneration for their ancestors and living elders.

• TRADITIONAL LOCATION(S): The Central Highlands of the Thai Payap and some villages in lower Southern Borderlands
• MAJOR TRIBAL DIVISIONS: Ekaw (term used throughout Southeast Asia) - Kha Kaw (Laos) - Hani (Vietnam)
• POPULATION: (1992) est.: 65,600 in Thailand - approx. 120,000 in Burma- approx. 45,000 Vietnam - 35,000 Laos.
• LANGUAGE(s): Falls in the Yi (LoLo) branch of the Tibeto-Burman family. Jeu G'oe is the Thai dialect
• FAMILY GROUP: Extended family-living relationship is most preferred; but some nuclear families today.
• RELIGION: No Akha word for "religion, but the term "Akha Way" denotes an Ancestor Worship style.
• VILLAGES SETTLEMENTS: Usually on the saddle-back of a mountain range. Some lowland villages, but rare.
  

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