Bahnar people


The Bâhnar are an ethnic group of Vietnam living primarily in the Central Highland provinces of Gia Lai and Kon Tum, as well as the coastal provinces of Bình Định and Phú Yên. They speak the Bahnar language that belongs to the Mon–Khmer language family.

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Etymology

The word bâhnar is similar to the phnom in Mon-Khmer language what means mountain. Besides, they have many names as Bmon, Rlong, Rngao, Tlo, Krem, Roh, Kon Kde, Ala Kong, Kpang Kong, Krang...

Culture

Arts

Epics such as Dam Noi represent centuries-old aspirations of Banar people.
Like many of the other ethnic groups of Vietnam's Central Highlands, the Bahnar play a great number of traditional musical instruments, including ensembles of pitched gongs and string instruments made from bamboo. These instruments are sometimes played in concert for special occasions, which may also involve ceremonial Rượu cần drinking and group dancing.

Festivals