A contribution to the study of Hmong (Miao) migrations and history

There are dozens of mountain peoples inhabiting lbe northem parts of Burma, '):hailand, Laos and Vietnam, as weil as soulbwest China. The whole oflbis region a geographical entity generally known as lbe Southeast Asian Massif. Its llig:hlailld plains and mountains for centuries have provided a refuge for relatively societies trying to keep out oflowland disputes and the fierce competition .1Jetwe.on powerful foes fighting for control over fertile land and vital trading For centuries lbe Lolo, or Yi, lbe Miao and the Chung-chia, or Pu-yi-to but lbe most numerous of lbese groups--criss--erossed lbe massif, fleeing stronger aggressors or simply seeking better opportunities elsewhere; lbeir (Pltlerrlents today are scattered all over these remote mountain ranges (McKinnon l\Id IVliclmud 2000). However, the fact that they share an eco-region for similar reasons does not ail lbese societies alike. There are important cultural differences to be Ilb;"",'ed between lbeir languages, religions, and social organization. Of lbese "",'LIDtain peoples, the Hmong probably are the most recent migrants to have in lbe area to the soulb of lbe Soulbeast Asian Massif. Our primary aim in ,..-' y_y __ is to outline the causes and charaeter of the series of Hmong migrations southwest China into upper Indochina from lbe beginnings to lbe present We will complement this picture with an account of the relevant .'.el'Dp,ne:nts in lbe recent history of each of lbe countries in the Indochinese 8enlinsulawhere lbe Hmong are to be found. We will conclude wilb a prognosis oFlhn,r. developments on lbe basis of the CUITent situation. There already exist a fair number of summaries of Hmong migrations and ~"OUlg history on the basis of secondary sources, particularly in lbe fomo of 'fptroeluctory chapters in lbe majority of books and doctoral dissertations on lbis These are too numerous to be mentioned specifically here, To possible '8IX:US"tiCIDS lbat we are merely repeating an old story, however, we would reply