Yao

Yao

Various Bantu-speaking peoples inhabiting southern Tanzania, northern Mozambique, and southern Malawi. In the colonial era the Yao were prominent as slave traders. They were never completely united but lived as small groups ruled by chiefs. By 1900 they had come under German, Portuguese, or British rule. Today numbering 2.2 million, the Yao practice shifting (slash-and-burn) horticulture. Most are Muslims.

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Yao

In Chinese mythology, one of three legendary emperors, along with Shun and Dayu, of the golden age of antiquity (c. 24th century BC). All three were exalted by Confucius as models of virtue, righteousness, and unselfish devotion.

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Yao 

(Wayao), a people living in southeastern Malawi on the shores of Lake Nyasa (population, over 400,000 accord- ing to a 1967 estimate), in southern Tanzania (approximately 300,000), and in the interfluvial area of the Lugenda, Ruvuma, and Luchulingo rivers in Mozambique (200,000). The Yao language belongs to the eastern Bantu language group. Most of the Yao profess Islam (Sunnite sect); some preserve local traditional beliefs. Their main occupation is farming (corn, sorghum, beans, and other crops), as well as livestock raising and fishing (in Malawi). Seasonal work is well developed.

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Yao 

a nationality (narodnosf’) living in China (Kwangtung and Hunan provinces and the Kwangsi Chuang Autonomous Region), Vietnam, and Laos. The Yao number 666,000 in China (1953, census), 250,000 in Vietnam (1969, estimate), and more than 20,000 in Laos (1969, estimate). “Yao” is the Chinese name for the people; the Yao refer to themselves as Min and Man in China, Kimmen or Man in Vietnam, and Man in Laos. Their language belongs to the Miao-Yao group.

The Yao, who are believed to be related to the Miao, arrived in Southeast Asia no earlier than the 13th century. Their culture has retained many ancient characteristics. Until the mid-20th century feudal relations were combined with elements of the primitive communal system. The main occupations of the Yao are hoe farming and logging. The Yao are animists, and they revere their ancestors. Particularly important is the cult of the five-colored dog P’an-hu, from whom the Yao claim to be descended.

REFERENCES

Narody Vostochnoi Azii. Moscow-Leningrad, 1965.
Narody lugo-Vostochnoi Azii. Moscow, 1966.
Its, R. F. Etnicheskaia istoriia luga vostochnoi Azii. Leningrad, 1972.

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Yao 

a city in Japan, in the southwestern part of Honshu Island, in Osaka Prefecture. Population, 241,000 (1973). Yao is a satellite city of Osaka. Industry is represented by machine building, nonferrous metallurgy, food processing, and the manufacture of chemical products.