Gayo


Gayo

 

an Indonesian people related to the Bataks. The Gayo live in the mountainous regions of the northern extremity of the island of Sumatra. The population (including the related Alas) was approximately 150,000 according to a 1967 estimate. The Gayo language is similar to Batak and is related to the Indonesian languages. The religion is Islam with strong survivals of pre-Muslim beliefs. The chief occupation is farming (rice); livestock raising and handicrafts are also well developed. Some of patriarchal relations are also preserved among the Gayo. At the turn of the 20th century the Gayo carried on an active struggle against the Dutch invaders.

REFERENCE

Narody Iugo-Vostochnoi Azii. Moscow, 1966.