Volume 1: Contains results of research on the Akha and Meo, dealing primarily with the tribes who have migrated to Thailand. Gives derivation of the names of Akha and Meo. Relates history and describes origin, abode, land social organization, and political structure. Discusses life within their society: birth; names and reception into family society; children; sexual development; courtship, betrothal, marriage and divorce; old age and death. Compares Akha and Meo art, religion and magic, myths and fables, hygiene and medical practices; and laws and legal customs. [TAIC]
Volume 2: Describes settlement and houses, clothing and ornaments, and customs of body mutilation. Discusses means of subsistence; gathering, hunting, fishing, farming, and animal husbandry. Covers food, weapons, war, crafts, communications, and trade. Deals with counting and computing, divisions of time, language, and system of writing. Contains statistical, and demographic data for the Akha and Miao tribes. Considers aptitudes, skills, character, morals, and manners and the tribes' contribution to ethnology and anthropology. Deals with problems related to the inability of tribes to acclimatize, damage by tribes to soils and forests, and the relationship between the Thai government and hill tribes. Considers colonization problems and activities of Christian missions. [TAIC]
