The Intha People of Inle Lake
The Intha people are members of a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group living on and around Inle Lake. They are renowned for their unique fishing skills and extraordinary ‘rowing’ technique. The practice of paddling with a single oar using a skilled one-legged action provides the fishermen with a better view; above and below the water. Water hyacinth and reeds form a thick underwater maze, making navigation around the lake challenging. By using their own unique ‘rowing’ technique, Intha fishermen can maneuver more easily. This technique also allows the fishermen to handle their nets more effectively. The Intha fishing tradition is believed to date back to the 12th Century.
