Orang Asli (Mani)

รายละเอียด

Orang Asli, or Mani, is an indigenous ethnic group and a subgroup of the Nigrito tribe. They live in the mountainous areas of southern Thailand, particularly in the provinces of Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Yala, and Narathiwat. They are commonly referred to as "Ngao Pa“ in Thai. The group is known by different names depending on the subgroups or regions, such as Sakai, Semang, Kha-nang, and Orang Asli.
The Mani people share anthropological and physical traits similar to the Negroid tribes of Africa. They have dark skin, curly hair, flat wide noses, thick lips, prominent teeth, small ears, and short, sturdy bodies. They typically stand around 140–150 cm tall, with women being smaller and more robust. Mani people often prefer to go bare-chested. Their personalities are cheerful, and they enjoy music and singing. Although they are initially wary of strangers, they quickly warm up to those they know and are known to be direct, without deception or cunning. They dislike being insulted and are straightforward in their communication.
Settlements and Way of Life: Mani people choose to live in forested, mountainous areas near streams or waterfalls, which provide abundant natural resources such as wild animals and edible plants like taro, yam, and wild fruits. Their dwellings, called "tub," are makeshift shelters made from wood and constructed temporarily. Mani men use bamboo tubes, known as "tud," for hunting and self-defense.
When it comes to rest, Mani people believe that their feet are vital for walking and finding food. They sleep with their heads outside and feet inside the shelter to ensure they can quickly flee from danger. This way, if a predator like a tiger attacks, they can escape by injuring their feet, rather than facing a fatal blow to the head.
Language and Communication: Mani people speak their own language, called "Ten Aan," which is used in the provinces of Phatthalung, Trang, and Satun.
Food and Diet: The Mani do not practice farming or animal husbandry but rely on the resources available in nature. Their primary food sources are wild tubers, yams, and seasonal fruits. Hunting is mostly done by the men, while the women and children gather fruits and vegetables near their homes. They also hunt animals such as deer, wild boar, and freshwater turtles, while avoiding eating snakes, elephants, and tigers. Women are responsible for cooking the food.
Healthcare and Medicine: Mani people have traditional methods of healing, often using herbal medicine instead of modern drugs, which they refer to as "royal medicine." They rarely suffer from malaria, despite living in areas where it is prevalent. Each Mani group typically has one or two healers—women who assist with childbirth and men who treat general ailments.
Inventions and Weapons: A significant invention for the Mani is the "tud," a bamboo tube that functions as both a hunting tool and a weapon for self-defense. Every male in the community carries one.
Wisdom and Traditional Knowledge: The Mani people possess extensive traditional knowledge passed down through generations, particularly regarding herbal medicine, customs, and rituals. This wisdom helps them resist the pressures of modern society and maintain their way of life. They have been recognized as "masters of herbal medicine." Their traditions and way of life are maintained with little change, even as the world around them evolves.
Establishing learning centers or museums about the Mani ethnic group is one way to raise awareness and understanding of their culture, as well as support the recognition of their rights to preserve their traditional way of life.