ME AND MUSEUM

  Heavy and massive in structure, this kind of traditional wooden grinders were used widely in the rural and tribal areas of Manipur. It was an important household item exclusively meant for grinding paddy for domestic consumption. Even after the introduction of electric mills highly equipped with sophesticated mechanical devices, still there are some villages in Manipur where  Oo-Chakri  of this kind are used for grinding paddy. Prepared from two separate logs of either  Heinou  (Mango) or  Theibong  (Jackfruit) tree, it looks similar in sizes. However, these logs are structured according to its mechanical functions. The upper part of the grinder is called  Makhum  and the lower one is named as  Mahak . Meitei term for grinder is  Chakri  and it is synonymous to the word- obstructions. The term  Chakri  is given to denote the obstructions and frictions created between the two logs.  Mahak  possess a central...

The traditional head decoration used by the tribal and indigenous communities reveals a very rich expression of their social structure and political system. In this article, the colourful headgears worn by the communities inhabiting Manipur are being attempted to present from the fieldwork which was carried out by the author in the year 2013.   The native communities of the state, numbering more than 34 ethnic communities have their distinct and socially sanctioned rules regarding the use of headgear and headdresses. It is strictly governed by the rules of the hierarchical social system, taboos, beliefs and practices deeply entwined to their socio-cultural life.  THANGAL TRIBE Local Name: Pangrun ( Males Headgear) Tribe: Thangal Naga Area: Senapati District, Manipur Three different types of head gears used by the contemporary Thangal Naga tribe are explored, each of which has been distinctively identified with shapes and forms, use of colour patterns, and symbolic elements end...

Karapat: the Entrance Gate of Satras in Majuli, Assam N. Shakmacha Singh, Shrikant Gupta and D.D. Senapati T his article tries to explore the meaning, importance, and socio-cultural relevance of Karapat, an entrance gate of Satras- the Vaishnava Monastries in Assam, especially those which are located in the heart of Majuli Island; the largest riverine island of the world. Mājuli was one of the nerve centers of the Neo-Vaisnavite Movement during its heydays. It was at Mājuli (then known as Dhuwāhāt, Āhom territory) that Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva met his foremost disciple and apostolic successor, Madhavadeva for the very first time, in the 16 th  century. This event referred to as Manikānchan Sanyog is the single most epoch-making event in the history of the Neo-Vaisnavite Movement. After this meeting, the Neo-Vaisnavite Movement gained momentum and the medieval Caritas (the hagiographies) are full of references to Mājuli. It is said that Sankara...

BANITA BEHERA IGRMS,BHOPAL Kapdaganda- a token of love Embroidered with colourful motifs and designs on both sides, Kapdaganda is a prestigious shawl of Dongria Kondh tribe, a primitive sub section of Kondh tribe who inhabit the forest land along the slopes of the great Niyamgiri hill ranges of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Odisha. They also identify themselves as Jharnia because they live in close conjunction with a perennial hill stream . Woven with excellent craftsmanship, this shawl is specifically prepared by the spinsters of Dhangidibasa ( female dormitory) during leisure hours. It is used by Dongria Kondhs of all ages irrespective of gender. Kapdaganda is gifted by the Dongria girls to their beloved ones as a token of love. It is also presented by them to their brother and father as a symbol of affection to strengthen consanguinal relations. Aesthetically added designs and motifs in the shawl unfold social beliefs and religious practices.  ...

Phiruk/Phingaruk/Phinairuk and Tabu are the special the special kinds of storage baskets used in Manipur. The Meitei use it as an indispensable item for marriage ceremony.  The Maring tribe of Manipur are specialised in this traditional craft. They have got mastery over the production of this beautiful designs which they attain by using naturally dyed fine splits of bamboo. According to a local version, 'Phingairuk (Phingang; red cloth, luk- basket) is named after a group of Maring tribe who used to wear red-bordered cloth. Woven by the hill tribe, it is indespensably used by the Meiteis to commemorate the rituals and ceremonies of marriage functions. This age-old basket undoubtedly narrates the cultural history of harmonious social relation with the people of the hills and plains. Phiruk (Phi - cloth, luk/ruk - basket)/ Phinairuk or Phingaruk is a ceremonial basket available in two different sizes. The large one is used in the worship of the family and village deities and al...