Our most active field project. Led by country coordinator Momo — conducting primary research with highland indigenous communities in Northern Thailand, focused on the Karen, Mong, Ahka, Lahu, and Leesu peoples.
Thailand is home to approximately 60 recognised ethnic groups, divided into four categories: mountainous tribes, plains tribes, sea tribes, and jungle tribes. The north holds the largest concentration of highland indigenous communities.
KnowRoots focuses on five groups with strong, distinct cultures — Karen, Mong, Ahka, Lahu, and Leesu — spanning traditions from textile weaving and corn farming to spiritual ceremonies and oral storytelling.
The largest Karen subgroup. The team visited their village for 4 days, participating in daily life, corn harvests, and Sunday worship.
Known for vibrant textile traditions and mountain agriculture. Visited at Doi Pui Mong Village.
Rich in spiritual ceremonies and distinctive silver jewellery. Reached through the Studio Hor Jhama collective.
Highland community with strong oral traditions and distinctive weaving patterns.
A small but culturally distinct highland group with unique language and practices.
Personal interviews, day-in-the-life footage, and community portraits recorded during our 8-day field research trip to Chiang Mai.
An interactive quiz where users discover which Karen, Mong, or Ahka archetype resonates with them — built from field research observations.
Comprehensive research on traditions, cuisine, lifestyle, history, beliefs, and intangible heritage for all 5 major groups.
The S'gaw Karen village sits 100km from Chiang Mai city centre — a 4–5 hour journey through mountain roads, beyond cellular coverage. The team stayed for 4 days, sleeping in community homes, sharing meals, and participating in daily life.
On Sunday, the team witnessed the community's weekly worship gathering, held in a home while the church is under renovation. The village teacher arranged for a language demonstration — while the children speak their indigenous language, written education in it remains unavailable.
The community donated corn-harvesting time and family meals. In return, the team brought school supplies, food provisions, and a laminator — items specifically requested by the teacher.
Our personality quiz was built from these field observations. Discover the indigenous archetype that resonates with you.
Find Your Archetype →