Stories from an Ancient Land: Perspectives on Wa History and Culture

The Wa people have a rich civilization and a deep history in Southeast Asia. Their mythology suggests their land is the first place inhabited by humans, and they care for it on behalf of the world. This book introduces aspects of Wa culture, including their approach to the world's troubles and the lessons others might learn from it. It also presents a new interpretation of Wa headhunting, questioning explanations that see it as a primitive custom and placing it within the fraught history of the last few centuries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 414 pages
Publication date: 13 August 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The Wa people possess a rich and intricate civilization that is deeply rooted in the majestic mountains of Southeast Asia. Their mythology suggests that their land holds the distinction of being the very first place where humans settled, and they take great care to preserve and protect it on behalf of the entire world. This captivating book delves into various aspects of Wa culture, offering insights into their unique perspective on global challenges and the valuable lessons that others can glean from their way of life. Furthermore, it presents a fresh and thought-provoking interpretation of Wa headhunting, challenging the conventional explanations that view it as a primitive practice. Instead, the book contextualizes headhunting within the tumultuous history of the last few centuries, shedding light on its complex and multifaceted nature.

The Wa people have a rich civilization of their own, and a deep history in the mountains of Southeast Asia. Their mythology suggests their land is the first place inhabited by humans, which they care for on behalf of the world. This book introduces aspects of Wa culture, including their approach to the worlds troubles and the lessons others might learn from it. It also presents a new interpretation of Wa headhunting, questioning explanations that see it as a primitive custom, and instead placing it within the fraught history of the last few centuries.

The Wa people possess a rich and intricate civilization that is deeply rooted in the majestic mountains of Southeast Asia. Their mythology suggests that their land holds the distinction of being the very first place where humans settled, and they take great care to preserve and protect it on behalf of the entire world. This captivating book delves into various aspects of Wa culture, offering insights into their unique perspective on global challenges and the valuable lessons that others can glean from their way of life. Furthermore, it presents a fresh and thought-provoking interpretation of Wa headhunting, challenging the conventional explanations that view it as a primitive practice. Instead, the book contextualizes headhunting within the tumultuous history of the last few centuries, shedding light on its complex and multifaceted nature.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789208870