Nishi (tribe)

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A Nishi tribesman wearing the traditional head-dress having a hornbill beak

The Nishi tribe principally inhabit the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Known as the Nishi (alternative spellingNisi' meaning people of the land or the human being'). They inhabit the Papum Pare, East Kameng and Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kume, parts of upper Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the Darrang District and North Lakhimpur district of Assam. Their population of around 120,000 makes them one of the most populous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, after the combined tribes of the Adis and the Galongs (Abors) who were the most populous in the 2001 census. Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, however,the origin is disputed and no single concrete theory stands unchallenged.

Most Nishi do not like the idea of intermarriage with other neighboring tribes, which also is common about the other tribes. Polygamy is prevalent among the Nishi. 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.

1 Economy
2 Dress
3 Religion
4 The hornbill issue
5 External links

[edit] Economy

The Nishi are agriculturalists who practice jhum, which is a form of shifting cultivation. The principal crops raised include paddy and millet. Rice is the staple food of the people, supplemented by fish, meat of various animals, edible tubers and leafy vegetables. A locally-made drink known as "opo" is made from millet. This is used at all social gatherings and important events. The great nyisies are fond of it. Nyishi, traditionally being dependent on the forest, eat fruits,root, bamboo shoots, fish, frogs and even insects. Traditional ways of preparing them include steaming, roasting and smoking.

[edit] Dress

Traditionally, Nishi 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. Additional decorations varied depending upon the status of person and were symbols of manly valour.

The clothing of the men consists of sleeveless shorts made from thick cotton cloth, striped gaily with blue and red together with a mantle of cotton or wool fastened around the throat and shoulders. Strings made of beads in varying sizes and colours were also worn, mainly for decoration purposes. They used to carry a Dao (aoryo in nishi) (short sword) and a [[knife] (yochi in nishi)] in a bamboo sheath. Their armament consists of spear with iron-head, a large sword, and a bow with arrows, tipped with [[poison] aommyo] on it. During war both the chest and back are covered with the Mithun hide, and over it they wear a black cloak made of indigenous fibre.

The Nishi women generally wear a sleeveless mantle of striped or plain cloth, its upper part tucked tightly over the breast and enveloping the body from the armpits to the centre of the calves. A ribbon is tied at the waist. A girdle consisting of metal disks and cane garters is worn at the waist. Their hair is parted in the middle, plaited and tied into a chignon just above the nape. Their ornaments include multicolored bead necklaces, brass chains, metal bells, huge brass or silver earrings and heavy bracelets of various metals.

[edit] Religion

Most Nishi are loyal followers of the Donyi-Polo faith, a religion which commemorates their ancestors, emphasizes a belief in many spirits and superstitions, and includes religious rituals which coincide with lunar phases or agricultural cycles. Abo-Teni is revered by Donyi-Polo followers as the primal ancestor of the animist tribes of Tibetan or quasi-Tibetan origin. The religious festival of Longte Yullo is celebrated in April. Nyokum Yullo is celebrated on 26th February each year since 1967-68 at Joram village in the Lower Subansiri district.

Among the Nishi, there are currently approximately 6,000 converted Christians, considered "spiritually weak" by their brethren, most of whom are concentrated in Itanagar. Small groups of Hindus and Buddhists also exist among the Nishi. Both polyandry and polygyny are practised by the Nishi, with a rich man having as many as eight wives.

[edit] The hornbill issue

The Nishi, who traditionally wear cane helmets surmounted by the crest of a hornbill beak, have considerably affected the population of this bird.

Several organizations, such as the Arunachal Wildlife and Nature Foundation and the Wildlife Trust of India, have been trying to stop the Nishi hunting these birds in order to protect them from extinction. Nature reserves, such as the Pakke Sanctuary, are being set up to protect the birds, while artificial materials, such as fiberglass, have been introduced as an alternative to the hornbill beak in Nishi dress. While the Bopa ceremony is an important part of Nishi tradition, and the campaign has faced stiff opposition, the Nishi have recognised the possibility of the extinction of the Great Indian Hornbill, and 70% of the Nishi have already accepted this new idea.^{[citation needed]}