People cluster
Nosu
The Nosu, also called Nuosu, are the largest branch of the Yi people, one of the ethnic minorities recognized by China. There are more than 3 million of them. Most live in the Liangshan mountains, a name that means “Cold Mountains”, in the south of Sichuan Province, and some live in the neighboring province of Yunnan.
The Nosu speak a language of their own and have an ancient script, made of signs that represent syllables, now taught in the region’s schools. For a long time they lived isolated in the mountains, organized in large clans, that is, extended families descended from a common ancestor. Many still make a living raising animals and growing potatoes and corn, and the region has high rates of poverty, although the government has moved many villages into new homes.
The traditional religion centers on ancestors and the spirits of nature. Priests called bimo read ancient texts and perform rituals to heal the sick and accompany the dead. There are some Nosu Christians, but they are still very few.
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
China
|
100%
|
2.990.000 |
China