Inthas

   An ethnic minority group who lives on or around Inle Lake, in Yawnghwe (Nyaungshwe), one of the old Shan States. Their name means "sons [children] of the lake." Known for their industriousness, they are skilled fishermen, weavers of silk, and farmers, constructing "floating islands" of soil tied together with water hyacinth strands, which are used to grow crops on the lake's surface. According to a widely accepted account, the Inthas came from Tavoy (Dawei) in what is now Tenasserim (Tanintharyi) Division, in the 14th century, their reputation for hard work recommending them to the local sawbwa, who encouraged their migration from the south. They speak a distinct dialect of the Burmese (Myanmar) language, and are devout Buddhists.