The Akha in Shan State, often live in highlands 1,000m or more above sea level. They have traditionally practiced slash-and-burn agriculture, and have moved from place to place in search of land to cultivate. Akha villages can be found scattered around mountainous areas near Keng Tung and Mong Khat in Eastern Shan State.

The short skirts and elaborate headdresses worn by the women distinguish them from other tribes. The "pointed helmet" headdress is made of silver coins, silverwork, beads or shell. It is worn when working in the fields and when sleeping, as it is believed that removing it leaves one open to misfortune caused by evil spirits.

Akha women are renowned for being kind and hard-working. Pictured are a woman preparing a loom and a woman spinning thread.

It appears that most of the Akha around the Keng Tung area wear the headdress with the "board" in the back.

There is a small group called the Loimwe Akha. who wear the headdress with a round "loop" in the back which hardly can be seen nowadays.

North from Keng Tung near Maing Kat area, are four known villages of the Ajo Akhas whose women wear the "pointed helmet".


Such different types of costumes can be seen at the markets around the Keng Tung area.