Total population | |
---|---|
9,500 (est.) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Laos, China | |
Religion | |
Traditional religion, Theravada Buddhism |
The Khuen (or Khuen, Kuan, Kuanhua, Kween, Khween, Khouen) people are an aboriginal ethnic group of Laos.
The Khuen speak a language also called Khuen, which is a Khmuic language. [1] The Khmuic languages are Austro-Asiatic. [1] There is some debate as to whether the Khmuic languages are of the Mon-Khmer branch, but the majority opinion is that they are not.[ citation needed]
As a fellow member of the larger Khmuic ethnic group, many aspects of Khuen culture are similar to the Khmu.[ citation needed] Family names are usually the names of sacred animals or plants. It is taboo for a Khuen person to touch the animal or plant that bears his or her family name.[ citation needed]
In addition to Theravada Buddhism, they also worship a hierarchy of demons and ghosts. Ancestor worship is also practiced.[ citation needed]