Yabein

The cultural origins of the Yabeins are debated. Historical accounts describe the Yabeins as a mysterious group of uncertain origin who were almost entirely engaged in silk production. One theory suggests that silkworm culture predates Buddhism in the region, and that the Yabeins retreated from mainstream Buddhist society, as Buddhist precepts forbade the taking of life. Another theory posits that the Yabeins were a remnant of broken or obscure clans, such as the Danus or the Danaws, who had limited historical documentation and may be counted among Burma's many "lost tribes."^[3]

While they were Buddhists, some Yabeins began breeding silkworms—an act that involved killing the chrysalis and was thus seen as incompatible with Buddhist beliefs about reincarnation and non-violence.^[3] As a result, Yabeins were viewed with disdain and suspicion, often living in isolated villages and developing a patois distinct from other Burmese dialects.^[3] By 1891, this patois had vanished.^[3]

In the 1881 census, only 436 individuals reported speaking Yabein, a distinct Burmese dialect.^[2] By 1891, the language was considered extinct.^[2] Population records of silkworm breeders and their dependents reflect this decline.^[2] The fading of both the occupation and the associated identity of the Yabeins was due in part to the low social status of silkworm-rearing and the increasing dominance of other agricultural practices.^[2] Over time, the Yabein were reabsorbed into the Bamar group.^[5]