The Moinbas, with a population of 7,475, mainly live in Medog and Cona Counties of Tibet. A few inhabit Zayu and Nyingchi counties.
A Moinba woman.
Crossing a rattan bridge.
In the southeast of the Himalaya Range, the Yarlung Zangbo River makes a sharp turn to the south at Medog and Nyingchi, cutting deep valleys. According to Tibetan historical records, ancestors of the Moinbas made their homes in this gorge area more than a thousand years ago. Fortunately, the Moinba area has a mild climate, adequate rainfall, fertile soil and rich produce. However, owing to lack of easy transport, very few outsiders have the chance to visit this beautiful land.
“Fruit-Awaiting” is a traditional festival among the Moinbas.
In the 13th century, the Moinyu area in the south of Cona was brought to the domain of the Chinese government as a part of Tibet. Over a long period of time, the Moinbas forged close economic, political, cultural and religious ties with Tibet They use Tibetan calendar and money and are Lamaism believer.
The name Moinba, formerly used as an epithet by the Tibetans, means "People Living in Moinyu". After the founding of new China, they were given the formal appellation the Moinba Nationality.
“May you have good scores in the archery competition.”
The Moinba language belongs to the Tibetan branch of the Tibeto-Burman group of the Sino-Tibetan family. As the language has no script, the Moinbas use the Tibetan language. The Tibetan New Year's Day is the most important festival of the Moinbas. In every July, they celebrate their "Fruit-Awaiting" Festival.
