Some of the tribes are semi-nomadic farmers, clearing fields out of forest and moving every few years to new fields, a practice that the provincial authorities would like to discourage. The ancient worship pervades their life. If someone is sick, the village assembles to pray for help and guidance from the past, putting food on mats for the spirits of their ancestors. In bad times, the people pray to the spirits of nature, asking them to stop punishing the tribe. The highlanders follow their own laws and traditions, in addition to state law.
Couples marry traditionally - and divorce, as well.
She may court many before choosing her husband. If a spouse is unfaithful or a husband abusive, the tribal leader will call a village meeting and pronounce a divorce. The courts are not involved. In the village at the top of the hill, an old man sits on his porch, in the shade of a thatched roof, putting the finishing touches on a basket. The people of all tribes have their own distinctive features.