The Daur (or “cultivator”) live in the river areas of northeast China. These areas are conducive to farming, hunting, and raising animals. The men enjoy wrestling, horseman-ship and archery. Women are skilled in intricate embroidery and the making of ornate home decorations. Traditional music and dance depict themes from life such as an eagle’s flight or picking potherb.
The family is important. Each clan has their own shaman, or witchdoctor. The dead are buried in the family graveyard along with body ornaments, tobacco pipes, or cooking utensils.
Ninety percent of the Daur still speak their ancient Mongolic language, but they have no Scriptures. An alphabet has never been devised; however, a native Daur scholar has experimented writing in Pinyin, a system of Romanization for standard Mandarin.
Fall 2006