Samtao in Myanmar (Burma)


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Samtao are said to be original members of the Wa people. The Samtao converted from animism to Theravada Buddhism. After generations of separation from the Wa animist, the Samtao emerged with their own language and culture. The Samtao language is related to other Mon-Khmer languages (De 'ang, Wa, and Bulang).The Samtao of Myanmar are from three tribes; the Samtao, Samtuan, and Sen Chun.


Where Are they Located?

The Samtao live in Laos, Myanmar, and China. Myanmar is the home to the largest concentration of Samtao. They are found mainly in the eastern Shan hills northeast of Kengtung.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Samtao families may be monogamous or polygamous. To become a polygamous family, the husband must first receive permission from the village leader. In some Samtao families infant marriage is arranged. The Samtao grow crops such as tea, maize, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. The Samatao men often tattoo their limbs and torsos with passages from the Buddhist scriptures.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Samtao practice Theravada Buddhism. It was introduced to their culture 900 years ago. The Samtao are ardent followers of Buddhism. They also revere the spirits of the forest, village, and house, and observe animal rituals. For instance, when a Samtao man dies his family will kill a chicken to call back the person's soul. The person is then redressed and positioned between two white sheets.


Prayer Points

Pray that even now the Spirit would work in Samtao hearts.
Pray that God would raise up missionaries from neighboring tribes to go to the Samtao.
Pray that the Gospel would reach the Samtao and that it would be received.
Pray that a Samtao church would be birthed.


Scripture Prayers for the Samtao in Myanmar (Burma).


References

http://www.millionelephants.com/UPGs/samtao.html
http://goo.gl/Zyvkg


Profile Source:   Rachel Routt  

People Name General Samtao
People Name in Country Samtao
Pronunciation Sahm-taow
Alternate Names Blang; Bo Kho Pa; Bulang; Col; Con; Kawa; Kem Degne; Kiorr; Kontoi; Lua; Mu Di Pa; Phula; Pula; Pulang; Sam Tao; Samtau; Samtuan; Sen Chun; Xamtao
Population this Country 11,000
Population all Countries 15,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 4
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 14680
ROP3 Code 108587
ROP25 Code 307198
ROP25 Name Samtao
Country Myanmar (Burma)
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 17  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country East Shan State.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Myanmar (Burma)
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 17  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country East Shan State..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
90.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 5.40 %)
7.00 %
Ethnic Religions
3.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Samtao (11,000 speakers)
Language Code stu   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Samtao (11,000 speakers)
Language Code stu   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Samtao

Primary Language:  Samtao

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anonymous 
Profile Source Rachel Routt 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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