Mishmi people

Deng people, also known as Mishmi people, are the smallest ethnic minority living in Tibet by population.

They once lived in the depths of the mountains and led a primitive and austere life.

According to their tradition, women are not allowed to eat pork, beef and chicken from the age of eight, otherwise they will be condemned by the whole community. When they give birth to three or four babies, the prohibition will be lifted.

Knives play an important role in their daily life. They can be used in farming, hunting and protecting themselves in case of emergency.

Their leader is the only one in China allowed to carry a knife while boarding a plane or having meeting in the Great Hall of the People �C a venue used for legislative and ceremonial activities by the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China.

Axi People

Axi, is a branch of the Yi ethnic minority in Yunnan province. The people there share a worship of fire as a natural blessing. Every Feb 3 in the Chinese lunar calendar, they will hold grand rituals to offer sacrifices to the God of Fire.

The grown-up men and the children will disguise themselves respectively with patterns which are symbols of local animals and plants. They are almost naked, with palm leaves or linen covering their productive organs. They sing, yell and dance to express their gratitude to the ancestors and their eulogy to the blessed life.