New Year Kwa-kaer Performance Tradition of Lisu Tribe

Abstract

This research aims to study the history of the “Kwa-Kaer” performance in New Year traditions of the Lisu tribe and study the elements and roles of the show “Kwa-Kaer” towards Lisu people in Mae Tho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Tak Province. The researcher employed a qualitative research method under the concept of ethnography by studying and collecting data from research and related documents including field studies with interviews and participatory observation.

The results showed that the performance of “Kwa-Kaer” is classified as a "recreational dance" that is an important "tradition" that reflects the "cultural identity" of the Lisu people.

Moreover, the performance of "Kwa-Kaer" also reflects the social and cultural conditions of the Lisu people, such as gender roles, which are men playing music and leading the dance while the women would dance along alone. The performance also reflects an egalitarian social structure, with no racial discrimination, and everyone can join the dance equally. In addition, the performance of “Kwa-Kaer” also plays an important role for the Lisu people in creating entertainment that is based on sacred rituals for the people in the community. It also shows the characteristics of the Lisu people who are fun and cheerful.