With a population of 7,475 (as of 1990), the Moinbas are scattered in the southern part of Tibet Autonomous Region. Most of them live in Menyu area, and some are scattered in the Motuo area. It is one of the smallest ethnic minorities in China.
Their language, which has many dialects, belongs to the Tibeto-Burman Austronesian of the Chinese-Tibetan Phylum. They have forged close links with the Tibetan people through political, economic and cultural exchanges and intermarriage over the years, so many of them can speak Tibetan.
In ancient times, their ancestors lived in the Menyu area on Tibetan Altiplano and had close ties with the Tibetans. In 823AD, they were under the control of the Tufan nationality. Various actions had been taken by Tibetan authorities over the centuries to consolidate their rule over Menyu area. In the mid-17th century, the Fifth Dalai Lama united the whole of Tibet and established the yellow sect of Buddhism as the dominant religion. He sent two of his disciples to Menyu to set up an office there.
Nowadays, their main occupation is agriculture; meanwhile, they manage animal husbandry and hunting as well. They are good at making wooden bowls and weaving utensils with bamboo and rattan.
The Moinbas believe in Lamaism. They share with the Tibetans the similar customs and lifestyles. They also use the Tibetan calendar. The Moinbas have composed many beautiful tunes and ballads over the centuries. Among their most popular songs are the "Sama" wine song and "Jialu" love song, which are simple and dynamic.
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