Kumo Xi (库莫奚; also sometimes seen romanized as K'umo-Hsi) was a semi-nomadic Mongolic people inhabiting the area to the north and northeast of the Tang Dynasty of China, particularly during the 7th to 10th centuries CE. They were related to the Khitan people and shared a similar lifestyle and culture, often engaging in trade and warfare with the Chinese dynasties. Their territory was primarily located in what is now parts of Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, and Hebei provinces in China.
The Kumo Xi frequently allied and fought with various other groups in the region, including the Khitan, Tang, and other nomadic tribes. Their relationship with the Tang Dynasty was characterized by periods of tribute, trade, and outright warfare, reflecting the complex dynamics of power and influence in the border regions. They often raided Chinese settlements, while also supplying horses and other goods in exchange for silk and other valuable commodities.
The Kumo Xi gradually declined in power and were eventually absorbed by the expanding Liao Dynasty established by the Khitan in the 10th century. Their language and distinct cultural identity eventually faded as they were integrated into the Khitan society. Historical records regarding the Kumo Xi are often intertwined with those of the Khitan, making it challenging to fully disentangle their individual history. They are primarily known through Chinese historical texts and archaeological findings in the regions they once inhabited.