The majority of the Tai Dam (or Black Tai) live in northern Vietnam around the city of Dien Bien Phu, but some live in Iowa in the USA. The Tai Dam take pride in being cloth weavers. They derive their name from the traditional black skirts and headdresses worn by the women. They embroider the black silk with flowers, and a bright green belt typically complements the outfit. In their everyday lives, the men and women divide labor equally; both men and women plow, hoe, fish, tend to babies, cook, and clean.
The Tai Dam practice Theravada Buddhism mixed with folk animism. Often seeking help through supernatural spirits and objects, they have ceremonies for recalling the soul. They practice ancestor worship and believe that there are spirits within every object and person. These spirits must be appeased so that they might avoid curses and receive blessings.
These people are dominated by spirits who rule their lives, who could curse them on a whim, and who must be appeased. Gifted believers can go to their villages and drive out these spirits in the name of Jesus Christ.
"The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!" Psalm 47:9
Pray that the Lord will find honor and worship from today’s people group. May they understand that they belong to Him.
May the Tai Dam come to know the God who is simultaneously good, just, and merciful. May they know of the Holy Spirit who can dwell in them and guide them. Pray for a movement to Christ among them to thrive this decade.
| People Name | Tai Dam |
| Pronunciation | tie DAHM |
| Country | Vietnam |
| 10/40 Window | Yes |
| Population | 842,000 |
| World Population | 922,200 |
| Language | Tai Dam |
| Primary Religion | Ethnic Religions |
| Bible | New Testament |
| Online Audio NT | No |
| Jesus Film | Yes |
| Audio Recordings | Yes |
| Christ Followers | Few, less than 2% |
| Status | Unreached |
| Progress Level: |
|
