Nyishi tribe dance troupes from Arunachal pradesh performing horn-bill dance at Pragati Maidan on the occasion of India International trade Fair on 26th November 2012.
The Nyishi or Nishi people, principaly found in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. They are also called "Nyashang", meaning 'people of the land or the human being', by people belonging to Kurung Kumey district. They inhabit the Papum Pare, East KamengLower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, parts of Upper Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the Sonitpur District and North Lakhimpur district of Assam. Their population of around 300,000 makes them the most populous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, closely followed by the combined tribes of the Adis and the Galos (Abors) who were the most populous in the 2001 census. The Nyishi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, however, the origin is disputed. Polygyny is prevalent among the Nyishi. It signifies ones social status and economical stability and also proves handy during hard times like clan wars or social huntings and other social activities. This institution however is being challenged. They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several clans.
The Nyishi are agriculturalists who practice jhum, rag in Nishi, which is a form of shifting cultivation. The principal crops raised include paddy, tapio (maize), mekung (cucumber), takie (ginger), aange (yams) and temi (millet). Rice is the staple food of the people, supplemented by fish, meat of various animals, edible tubers and leafy vegetables.Before modern economic invaded them, they use barter system. They greatly valued the generalized reciprocity and also balance reciprocity in their economic system. A locally-made drink known as apong (two types of apo: pone, made of rice, and poling which is made of millet) is mostly made from millet and rice. This is used at all social gatherings and important events. The Nyishis are fond of it. Nyishi, traditionally being dependent on the forest, eat fruit, roots, bamboo shoots, fish and meats. Traditional ways of preparing them include steaming, roasting and smoking. Recently they have been forced to move toward a market based exchange economy.
Traditionally, Nyishi plait their hair and tie it neatly at the forehead with Tibetan thread. A brass skewer passes horizontally through the tied hair. Cane rings were worn around the waist, arms and legs. Men wore a cane helmet surmounted with the beak of the Great Indian Hornbill.The usage of actual Hornbill beaks is discouraged these days due to tough wildlife protection laws since The Great Indian Hornbill is a protected species and generally due to growing awareness among the people as well. It is being supplemented by beaks made of cane or other materials and the entire headgear/cane helmet itself is readily available in the market for purchase. Additional decorations varied depending upon the status of person and were symbols of manly valour.
Source: Wikipedia
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