Sherdukpen

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Shertukpen Alternative names: Ngnok
Total population
4,200
Regions with significant populations
Arunachal Pradesh, India: 4,200
Languages
Indigenious language, Tshangla, Assamese
Religions
Tibetan Buddhism, Animism
Related ethnic groups
Monpa, Aka, Khowa

The Sherdukpen are an ethnic group related to both the Aka and Monpa. Their population of 4,200 is centered in West Kameng in the villages of Rupa, Jigaon, Thongri, Shergaon and Doimara, in Bomdila. All of these are at elevations between 5000-6000 feet above sea level. Of late, some of them have settled in Kameng bari areas, a new settlement area under Bhalukpong circle.

1 Society
2 Economy
3 Dress
4 Religion
5 Notes
6 Reference and external links

[edit] Society

The Sherdukpen society are divided into two classes, the Thong and the Chao. The Thongs are said to be descendants of King Jsotang, the Gyaptong, and an Assamese princess, while the Bura and Chao are the descendants of his partners and servant class.^[1] To remember their ancestry, they annually migrate during the winter months to Doimara to maintain their age-long relations with the plains. The Village Council, presided by the Village Chief, known as the Thik Akhao, administers law and order.

The Sherdukpen generally practice monogamy and trace their descent patrilineally. Their houses are built on strong stone foundations with their wall and floor made from thick wooden planks.

[edit] Economy

The Sherdukpen are agriculturalists, although hunting and traditional fishing methods are practised as well. Using simple tools, both shifting and permanent farming methods are used, and livestock such as ponies, cows, goats, sheep, fowls and bullocks are kept.

[edit] Dress

The Sherdukpen men wear a sleeveless cloth, which is made out of silk, with the two ends of the cloth which pins onto the shoulders that reach down to the knees. Made from yak’s hair with tassels jutting down over the face, the gurdam skull-cap is mainly worn by the men. It is decorated with a white cockade and colourful band around its brim. The warriors are often seen carrying their Tibetan sword, with the support of a waistband. A bogre, a cloth woven from natural fibres, is tied around the shoulders to form a fold at the back.

The women wear a collarless and sleeveless cloth to cover them from the shoulders to the knees. A full-sleeved embroidered jacket and waist cloth, known as mushaiks, is worn over the cloak. The ladies tie their hair tied into a bun at the back, although most grown-up girls do not tie their tresses into a knot. Weaving is considered a feminine art, and most are able to weave clothings in a highly artistic manner.

[edit] Religion

Like the Monpa, the Sherdukpens are also followers of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism^[2]. Pre-Buddhist, Animist spiritualist elements have also been co-existing with the Sherdukpen's Buddhist beliefs as well.

Sherdukpen priests include the Jiji magicians, and the Buddhist lamas from the neighbouring dzongs. Their principal festivals are Losar, Choskar, Wang and Khiksabha.

Traditional dances concerning animals are considered interesting to some. An interesting feature of Sherdukpen life is their annual migration during the winter months to Doimara, which signify a sign of maintaining their age-long relations with the people of the Assamese plains.