Abiya Pochear

Our hearts are breaking today with news that our treasured friend and beautiful fellow teacher, Abiya Pocher, unexpectedly, peacefully passed away yesterday.  The teachers and students of our Akha Oral Tradition School and all the Akha who knew and loved her mourn her loss, as Abiya, above all, represented Pure Joy.  You will see for yourself – every photograph that follows radiates her glowing inner light.

Abiya was also passionate about traditional Akha culture – every aspect of it – from Akha ancestral beliefs and rituals, Akha arts of weaving, tailoring, embroidery, and cuisine, to Akha oral arts including singing, storytelling, dancing, and crafting musical instruments. In particular, she was a Master Musician, one of the last remaining Akha able to play several rare traditional musical instruments: the Maeli Maelo whistle flute, the Hulepeu reed pipe, and Pipa leaf.  By passing on her knowledge to Akha youth, Abiya truly was a vital living link to all who came before, helping to protect these practices that are so quickly and quietly vanishing.

Gulung guma deh, dear Abiya, for sharing your spirit and wisdom with us.  We are so fortunate to have had you in our in our lives.  Your legacy will continue in the students you inspired.

At the end of our first Akha Oral Tradition School Concert on 24 February 2024, each of our Akha Master Teachers expressed a few thoughts to mark the occasion and the success of our students. Abiya’s words were deeply poignant and prescient.

Abiya Pochear:
“I am overwhelmingly thrilled. Why so? Because children nowadays don’t know what the Maeli Maelo (whistle flute) is. Nor do they know what the Huleupo (reed pipe) is. They don’t know why these instruments are blown and under which circumstances.

I thought all these would be lost. And we are getting older day by day. We can’t do anything about aging. When the time comes, we will pass away. I am just telling the truth.

However, the children, regarding these children, they have learned well what they have been taught. I feel so thrilled about this. Because of this, I am so thankful to all of you.

All the children who are determined to study hard, as you study hard with your heart, you have learned them very well. Therefore, once again, I am so happy. Thank you very much.”