Quite a number of tribal communities throng the region of Arunachal Pradesh. As many as twenty-five tribes ennoble the state with their own ethnic culture and tradition. Still today these tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are maintaining their own originality in various cultural fetes. The state government too is doing their utmost to preserve them so that these cultures of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh must not go in to oblivion.
All the anthropologists after doing a thorough research have segregated all the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh into groups quite independent of each other, living their lives on their own terms. Few common attributes that these tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are as follows. The way that these tribes lead their lives were more or less the same and those they abided by the similar occupation; the societies were `casteless`. For better administration, they form their institutes and also select leaders according to their age for distinct social functions. The youths acted as per the commands of these old and experienced leaders. All the tribes follow `endogamy` and strictly observe the rule of `clan exogamy`. With the societies of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, polygamy is highly endorsed and practiced by all. Festivals are an integral part of all the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh thereby mirroring the cultural exuberances and artistry. The artic acumen of the tribes of The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are furthered by their musical and dance bonanza as well as the vistas of exquisite crafts that they are expert in.
To be specific, the following are few lines throwing some light on diverse tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Adi tribes have two chief groups, the Bogum and Bomis, and under each there are a number of sub-tribes including Minyongs, Karkos, Shimongsetc. The Adi tribes by nature are democratic and organized village council called Kebang. Their traditional dance, Ponung is popular in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. Adi villages are situated generally on the spurs of hills. Polygamy is socially accepted. Adi women are good weavers.
Mainly cultivators, the Apatani tribes produce paddy and fish in large numbers. Round `nose plugs` and facial tattoos are the identifying traits of ornamentation especially amongst aged Apatani women. However, the younger generation is quite hesitant in adopting this style. Unlike other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, the economy of Apatani tribes is stable.
Agriculture is one of the main occupations of Bugun or Khowas tribes, just like any other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. They are also cordial by nature.
The Hrusso or Aka tribes have a rich history linkage. Their popular belief is that they were related with the Ahom Kings. They are mainly traders and also use black paints in their faces. Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religious practices of Aka tribes.
The Singpho has ardent belief on evil spirits. They are mainly farmers and black smiths
Khamba and Memba reside in the northern province of `West Siang` ardently following Buddhism. Polyandry is prevalent among them. They do farming activities
Mishmi can be divided into three most important groups namely- Idus or Chulikatas, Digarus or Taroan and Mijus or Kaman. Their women are expert weavers. Although agriculture is the main occupation of the people, some of them also carry of with the trade of various items like, wild medicinal plants etc.
The Monpa are simple, gentle, having a robust cultural heritage. They dress in artistic clothes. They follow Buddhism and each house has a tiny `chapel` close to it.
The Nishing tribes are the biggest groups of people inhabiting the Lower Subansiri district. The men wear `cane bands` just about the waist. They think that after death, his spirit goes to the `village of the ancestors`.
Amongst various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh ,The Sulung or Puroik are considered to be one of the ancient tribes in the area. Their apparel and dresses are simple, and they follow the ` spirit culture`.
Though quite less in number amongst other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Sherdukpen are good traders. Few people also take up agriculture as their occupation. . Their religion is a fascinating mesh of Mahayana Buddhism and some tribal `magico-religious` customs.
The Tagin reside in the Upper Sunansiri district. Polygamy is prevalent amongst them. Their dress consists of only one piece of cloth.
The Khamti are believed to have migrated from the Shan states of Burma. They are the only tribe in Arunachal who have a script of their own, They are Buddhist ( Hinayana cult) by religion, and bury the dead in a coffin. They include Khamyang tribe.
The Wancho inhabit the western part of Tirap district, bordering Nagaland. `Head hunting` was usual practice with them in the primitive times. Their society is divided into four classes - the Wanghams (chiefs), the Wangpana , the Wangaue and Wangaas . They have a strict sense of the law and a village council protects the law and order of the society. The entire tribe is divided into about forty confederacies of villages. Tattooing is a social custom among them. They believe in two local gods, namely, Rang and Baurang. The women are good weavers and only the family members of the village headman carry out with it. They are proficient in wood carving also.
The Nocte profess Vaishnavism . They also ardently follow the Bareghar Satra of Nazira, Assam, Naga Narottam . Amongst various tribes of Arunachal Pradeh, Noctes are famous as salt producers. They are agriculturists, cultivating betel leaves on a commercial scale.
The Yobin, also called Lisus , are quite few in number mainly residing in the distant eastern most corner of the Tirap district.
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