More than 1,800 Sila people inhabit seven villages in northern Laos. The majority of Sila in Laos actually call themselves Sida. One study listed 1,330 Sida (consisting of 247 families in 4 villages) compared to 390 Sila (92 families in 3 villages).155 Despite the slightly different name, the two groups are identical in culture and language. Most Sila live near the Chinese border. They are found in the Gnot-Ou and Phongsali districts of Phongsali Province, and the Luang Namtha District of Luang Namtha Province.

An additional 600 Sila live in Lai Chau Province of northern Vietnam. They say they are the descendants of seven families who fled Laos about 150 years ago to escape oppression from the Lao rulers. The Sila language, which is Tibeto-Burman, is related to the Hani varieties in southern China, where they claim to have originated.

Hunting and gathering are important facets of the Sila diet. Women are skilled at foraging for mushrooms, vegetables and bamboo shoots in the forest.

Sila houses contain four rooms. The ancestral altar is the most important part of the home and is never located near the entrance way. A hearth, situated in the middle of the house, is constructed of three stones. The Sila believe these stones to be the dwelling place of the souls of their ancestors.

Sila women wear spectacular and unique costumes. Dozens of silver and tin coins are attached to the front of their shirts. The Sila wear different headdress depending on a woman's age and marital status. Young girls wear a hat or turban, while married women wear a different style that immediately reveals their married status. The Sila never go out without taking a shoulder-bag that has red tassels hanging from it.

Today each Sila family lineage has a lu lu, who acts as village chief, judge, and officiates at marriages and funerals. Shamans, called mo, are respected by all. Their responsibilities are to admin-ister all the worship and religious rituals undertaken by the Sila.

Despite their long history in northern Laos, there has never been a single known church of Christian in their midst. The Sila are without a Bible, a missionary, and a Gospel witness.

Additional Information

1. Gospel Recording in Sila here: Sila resources page If you are aware of other recordings, literature, or anything else for the Sila people, please let us make it available online.
2. Getting there - If you make a trip to the Sila people, share your experience and advice here: Sila travel page
3. Information - Do you know something more about the beliefs of the Sila? Do you have a story to tell? Do you have a picture? Please share it here.
4. Does anyone know of a Sila believer inside or outside of Laos?
5. Intercession - Have you gotten any impressions, scriptures or words while praying for this group? Have you visited their area? Please share these and we will include them on the prayer page here: Sila prayer page
6. Adoption - This is a small group, but that doesn't diminish the importance of these people in Gods' heart. If you feel led to focus on this group, maybe God will use in a miraculous way to reach them with the Gospel! Need assistance? Contact us at: millionelephants@gmail.com, subject: adoption