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The Lisu, belonging like the Lahu and
Akha to the Lolo speaking linguistic
group, originated from the area of the
upper Salween river in Yunnan. Villages
of this colorful ethnic group can be
found in the mountains of China, Burma
and northern Thailand. Nowadays, there
are around 21,000 Lisus living in
Thailand's northern provinces of Chaing
Mai, Mae Hong Sorn and Chiang Rai.
 The
Lisu believe strongly in the spirit
world, and their shamans are used to
divine the causes and cures of all
problems and sickness. A few Lisu people
have been converted to Christianity by
western missionaries.
The Lisu settlements are dispersed
throughout the mountains of the north,
while many have assimilated into the
urban centers. The Lisu houses are built
on the ground, with dirt floors and
bamboo walls around a central ridge. For
many generations the main means of
livelihood for many of the Lisu people
has been the cultivation of the opium
poppy. Some of these people have given
up poppy growing, and are now seeking to
supplement their income through the sale
of skillfully produced crafts.
The clothing of the Lisu is made from
brightly colored, blue or green
knee-length tunics with a wide black
belt and blue or green pants. Sleeves,
shoulders and cuffs are heavily
embroidered with narrow, horizontal
bands of blue, red and yellow. The more
affluent wear massive amounts of
hand-crafted silver ornaments for
festive occasions.
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