The Yi

Yi Village

The Yi tribe numbers near 8 million in total and speaks 6 dialects which belong to the Tibetan-Myanmese Language Group.  This ancient group of people were related to the Do and Qiang people of west China.  The Yi culture is steeped in a rich history including the practice of patriarchy, slavery and feudalism.   Yunnan Province is home to over 3 million Yi.