University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries Special Collections and University ArchivesJoel Martin Halpern Papers, 1932-2009 (bulk: 1948-2008)
Interview with Meo
Item Information
- Title:
- Interview with Meo
- Description:
-
Letter from Joel and Barbara Halpern to his parents during their time in Laos with the United States Operations Mission. This letter is in the form of an interview conducted by Halpern's translator, Aram Udol. Udol interviewed a "Meo" (Hmong) man from the village of "Ban Phou Soun" (possibly Phou Xang). The man has had five wives, four still living in the household. He describes his children, how much the dowry was for each wife, and their ages. He also describes the households of his brothers and their wives, children, marriages and divorces. He briefly describes his sister's households and lives. He describes the water supply for the area, the growing of opium, and the type of food they eat and how they prepare it. The customs and beliefs surrounding death of a family member are discussed, particularly animal sacrifice. Other customs concerning their children, the use of opium, their distrust of hospitals and eating habits are discussed.
- Creator:
- Halpern, Joel Martin
- Addressee:
- Halpern, Carl, 1902-1986
- Addressee:
- Halpern, Nettie
- Date:
-
October 11, 1957
- Format:
-
Letters/Correspondence
Manuscripts
- Genre:
-
Field notes
- Location:
- Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries
- Collection (local):
-
Joel M. Halpern Papers
- Series:
- Series 5H. Southeast Asia: Laos and Vietnam
- Subjects:
-
Anthropology--Laos
Ethnology--Laos
Diplomatic and consular service, American--Laos
Agriculture--Laos
Animal sacrifice--Laos
Rice--Laos
Children--Laos
Child care--Laos
Cooking--Laos
Cooking (Meat)--Laos
Families--Laos
Polygamy--Laos
Food--Laos
Food habits--Laos
Hmong (Asian people)--Laos
Death Folklore--Laos
Death Mythology--Laos
Manners and customs--Laos
Interviews--Laos
Marriage customs and rites--Laos
Medicine, Magic, mystic, and spagiric--Laos
Rites and ceremonies--Laos
Wells--Laos
Water supply--Laos
Wives--Laos
Halpern, Barbara Kerewsky
Halpern, Joel Martin
Udol, Aram
- Places:
-
Laos
- Extent:
- 6 p.
- Link to Item:
- http://credo.library.umass.edu/view/full/mufs001-ls-fn-i120
- Terms of Use:
-
All rights for this image are held by Joel M. Halpern. Requests to publish, redistribute, or replicate this material should be addressed to Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.
Contact host institution for more information.
- Place of origin:
-
Laos
- Identifier:
-
mufs001-ls-fn-i120