The Villages of these colourful people are to be found in the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar (Burma) and northern Thailand. There are approximately 20,000 Akha living in Thailand's northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai at high altitudes. This tribe originate in Tibet. Every Akha village is distinguished by it's carved wooden gates, presided over by guardian spirits. They live in raised houses on low stilts, with a large porch leading into a square living area with a stove at the back. The roof is steeply pitched. They live on marginal land and find it difficult to scrape a living through their slash and burn method of agriculture. In order to supplement their income, many Akha are now selling handicrafts,employing the traditional skills used in making their own clothing and cultural items.
Akha women spin cotton into thread with a hand spindle, then weave it on a foot-treadle loom. The cloth is dyed with indigo, then made into clothing for the family. The women wear broad leggings, a short black skirt with a white beaded sporran, a loose fitting black jacket with heavily embroidered cuffs and lapels. The black caps are covered with silver coins. Akha men and women produce various decorative items of bamboo and seeds. The men make crossbows, musical instruments, a variety of baskets, and other items of wood, bamboo and rattan.
The Akha are deeply superstitious, their religion prescribing exactly how each action should be performed. This tribe is the poorest of the hill tribes, but well known for their extraordinary costumes and exotic appearance. The Akha call themselves Akha whereas the Thai people refer to them as Ko or I-ko. They are historically linked with the ancient Lolo tribes that inhabit South Yunnan.
I-ko build a village gateway or "Pratu-Phi" ("gateway of spirits") to protect the village. This is styled with a symbolic sword and arrow, believed to ward off evil spirits and ghosts. I-ko still believe in the spirits. Their major festivals are the swing ceremony and Luna New Year celebrations.
Today, Akha are found in six provinces : Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kampaeng Phet, Lampang and Phrae.
The focal point of community life is the open ground ,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.