Qabiao in China


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Qabiao call themselves Ka Biao. In China the Qabiao have been officially included under the Yi nationality. The Chinese commonly call the Pubiao Bendi Lolo, which means "indigenous Lolo."

The Qabiao people are evenly distributed on both sides of the China-Vietnam border. The Qabiao in China live near the Vietnam border in the Tiechang, Matong, Punong, Pucha, and Pufeng villages of Malipo County in the Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Prefecture of Yunnan Province. The Vietnam Qabiao are located in seven communes of Dong Van District in Ha Giang Province.


What Are Their Lives Like?

For centuries Qabiao society has been monogamous. Today it is strictly forbidden for people of different generations to marry.

Until recently, Qabiao women wore two vests, in addition to ankle length skirts. Lately they have abandoned wearing the outer vest and have only retained the inner one. This vest, called bok tam, has five panels and buttons under the right armpit. At the hems and around the neck and sleeves, bands of colored cloth are sewn which are similar to those adorning the costumes of the Giay. Qabiao women commonly draw their hair forward and hold it in place with a comb.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Qabiao are animists. They believe a person has eight souls and nine spirits. These souls and spirits govern their existence and guide their activities. These beliefs shape the entire life and worldview of the Qabiao. The most revered place in a Qabiao home is the altar, reserved for three generations of ancestors. Each generation is symbolized by a small sandstone jar. They believe a dried pumpkin and a bundle of oxtail hair attached to a stick enable the ancestors to recognize their descendants.

Many Qabiao customs are directed at preserving their unique culture, which makes it difficult for the gospel to reach their minds with the message of the Savior. At funerals the Qabiao offer prayers to the soul of the dead person. They read texts reflecting the Qabiao concept of the universe, of mankind and of their community. Some legends include a great flood in the past; the only survivors were a few who hid in a giant hollowed-out pumpkin. This may be one key to introducing the gospel message to the unreached Qabiao.


What Are Their Needs?

The Qabiao people need to recognize the risen Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and unlike their dead ancestors can answer their prayers and meet their needs.


Prayer Points

Pray that believers in China and Vietnam will answer the call to share the gospel with the Qabiao people.
Pray that they will have a revelation of the living God and understand that they were created to be in a relationship with him.
Pray that the Lord would produce fertile soil in their hearts so they will understand and accept the gospel when they are exposed to it.
Pray for a great spiritual awakening among the Qabiao in this generation.


Scripture Prayers for the Qabiao, Pubiao in China.


References

Operation China, Asia Harvest, Copyrighted © Used with permission.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Qabiao, Pubiao
People Name in Country Qabiao, Pubiao
Natural Name Qabiao
Pronunciation kah-bee-OW
Alternate Names Bendi Lolo; Ka Bao; Ka Beo; Ka Biao; Ka Blao; Kubiao; Lagua; Laqua; Man Laqua; Pen Ti Lolo; Pu Peo; Pu Péo; Pubiao; Pupeo
Population this Country 500
Population all Countries 1,300
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 12993
ROP3 Code 105647
Country China
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 19  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country The Pubiao people are evenly distributed on both sides of the China- Vietnam border. In 1990 the Pubiao numbered 307 people in southern China, while 382 were located in northern Vietnam where they are an official minority. The Pubiao in China live near the Vietnam border in the Tiechang, Matong, Punong, Pucha, and Pufeng villages of Malipo County in the Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Prefecture of Yunnan Province. The Vietnam Pubiao are located in seven communes of Dong Van District in Ha Giang Province.   Source:  Operation China, 2000
Country China
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 19  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country The Pubiao people are evenly distributed on both sides of the China- Vietnam border. In 1990 the Pubiao numbered 307 people in southern China, while 382 were located in northern Vietnam where they are an official minority. The Pubiao in China live near the Vietnam border in the Tiechang, Matong, Punong, Pucha, and Pufeng villages of Malipo County in the Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Prefecture of Yunnan Province. The Vietnam Pubiao are located in seven communes of Dong Van District in Ha Giang Province..   Source:  Operation China, 2000
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
99.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
1.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Qabiao (500 speakers)
Language Code laq   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Qabiao (500 speakers)
Language Code laq   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Qabiao

Primary Language:  Qabiao

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Operation China, Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source Joshua Project / Global Mapping International  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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