The Origin and Historical Formation of the Tay People in Northeastern Vietnam

Abstract

The article draws on a synthesis of historical records, ethnographic materials, and the author’s fieldwork data. It aims to elucidate the process of formation of the Tay community by identifying its constituent origins, along with its historical and cultural transformations over time. The findings indicate that the Tày in Northeastern Vietnam do not constitute a homogeneous community in terms of origin; rather, they emerged from the interaction and integration of several groups, including: an indigenous Tay population believed to have originated from the ancient Baiyue; groups of Nung migrants who were gradually assimilated into the Tay community through long-term co-residence; and groups originating from Kinh people who became integrated into Tay society through migration, intermarriage, and assimilation during the course of history. These results affirm that the early and continuous presence of Tay residents in Northeastern Vietnam; concurrently, it provides more scientific arguments for advancing research on the ethnic history of Tay people, as well as for identifying their cultural identity and the broader processes of cultural exchange and acculturation in the region.