These Akha men are using cleavers and machetes to mince the pork from the recently slaughtered pig into the spicy dish sa byeh - traditionally served throughout Akha villages during festivals, ceremonies and celebrations.
All of the village celebrations are community affairs, with most of the families helping in the preparations. However, there is usually one or two men who are the driving force behind the feasts. In our observations, these are not the village chiefs, but rather are quiet, hard-working laborers who inspire the community to action by their work ethic rather than their words.
