Zotung people

The Zotung are an ethnic group indigenous to Chin State in western Myanmar (formerly Burma), primarily residing in the central and southern regions of the state. Zotung people belong to the Tibeto-Burman language family and are ethnically and culturally distinct from other Chin groups, although they share certain historical and cultural affinities. Most Zotung people are traditionally subsistence farmers and engage in hunting, like many other Chin ethnic groups. Their pre-Christian religious system, known as Lawki or Sakhua, was animistic and centered around nature and ancestor worship.

History

Due to the absence of a written language until the 20th century, the early history of the Zotung people is largely preserved through oral traditions, folk tales, and traditional songs. Some songs are believed to date back to as early as the 10th century CE, based on place names and linguistic clues. The Zotung people refer to themselves as "Zo," a name also used by neighboring tribes, including the Mara people, who call them Azyu.

In July and August 2015, the Zotung region was severely affected by floods and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains. According to the Zotung Relief Committee, 364 houses were destroyed, and paddy fields and crops were devastated. Roads and bridges were rendered unusable by landslides, leading to widespread isolation and hardship.^[1]

Traditions

Religion (Beihnaw)

Traditionally, the Zotung believed in a supreme deity called Pachia, who was considered benevolent and not associated with misfortune. Malevolent spirits known as Khozi were believed to cause illness, misfortune, or spiritual imbalance (hnam). High priests conducted rituals (Khuarum) to appease the Khozi, seeking protection and prosperity. Offerings were not made to Pachia, as he was not seen as a source of harm. The belief in Khozi has diminished significantly since the widespread conversion to Christianity beginning in the early 20th century.

Death and afterlife

The Zotung concept of the afterlife included multiple realms. Commoners who died of natural causes were believed to enter Mitchi Khua ("abode of the dead"), which was further divided into: Pucchi (or Pulthi): the resting place for those who died peacefully. Their passing was marked by days of communal mourning and feasting. Sawchi (or Sarthi): reserved for individuals who died from violence, supernatural causes, or disease. These deaths were considered ominous. The deceased were buried without ceremony, and families performed purification rituals, including the symbolic offering of maize mixed with the blood of a hen.

Ka tungvaw’ e Sawsi hin uiccopi chite aemen, naedi thy te vaedi nih pon thiangsa ula, Khuanipi nih cawkhae sala!

"Oh! The sickness inside me, be cleansed from the blood of the cock and maize. Let the sun set you also."

After a seven-day period of isolation, the bereaved family was considered purified. Those who died with honor, such as in battle or through hosting a significant festival, were believed to ascend to Hotheng, a realm of eternal feasting and joy. All deceased passed through Lunglei Mual ("Lunglei Hill"), a metaphysical checkpoint ruled by the goddess Sawnnung. She guided souls to their respective destinations after they drank from Rih Tui, a sacred lake believed to erase memories of earthly life.

Clothing

Traditional Zotung attire resembles that of other Zo ethnic groups. Daily male clothing typically includes the Anki (cotton shirt) and Boei (shawl or wrap). On ceremonial occasions, men wear decorated versions with feathers and jewelry. Women usually wear a longyi, often with traditional patterns, along with the Anki and Boei. A local legend attributes the origin of Zotung traditional textiles to a mythical mermaid (Tuithangnung) who gifted a man named Sempi-Tho Khe with intricately patterned blankets as a parting gift. After his death, these blankets were said to have inspired the design of traditional Zotung cloth, which later influenced what is now considered Chin national clothing. Various Chin tribes have since developed their own color and pattern variations.

Language

The Zotung language began to be written using the Latin alphabet in 1933. This script, known as Zoccaw ("Zo script"), was developed by Dr. Siabawi Khua Ming, one of the earliest Zotung to attend a mission school established in Rezua in 1926. Although Zoccaw is still used in religious texts and informal communication, it has not been officially recognized for use in Myanmar’s public education system. There is a popular legend among other Chin groups that their original script was lost after being written on animal hide, which was eaten by a dog; however, no such tradition exists among the Zotung. Despite widespread literacy among the Zotung in their native script, the Myanmar government does not permit it in official education. Christian hymnals remain a primary resource for learning the language.