Nishi (tribe)
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2008-04-04T23:54:40Z
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[[Image:Nishi tribal lightened.jpg|thumb|right|A Nishi tribesman wearing the traditional head-dress having a [[Great Indian Hornbill|hornbill]] beak]]
The '''Nishi''' tribe principally inhabit the [[India]]n state of [[Arunachal Pradesh]]. Known as the Nishi (alternative spelling''Nisi' 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|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 [[Patrilineality|patrilineally]] and are divided into several clans.
== Economy ==
The Nishi are agriculturalists who practice ''[[Shifting cultivation|jhum]]'', which is a form of shifting cultivation. The principal crops raised include [[Rice|paddy]] and [[millet]]. [[Rice]] is the [[staple food]] of the people, supplemented by [[fish (food)|fish]], [[meat]] of various animals, [[edible tuber]]s and [[leafy vegetable]]s. 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.
== Dress ==
Traditionally, Nishi [[braid|plait]] their [[hair]] and tie it neatly at the forehead with [[Tibet]]an 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 (weapon)|bow]] with [[arrow]]s, 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 [[garter]]s is worn at the waist. Their hair is parted in the middle, plaited and tied into a [[Chignon (hairstyle)|chignon]] just above the nape. Their ornaments include multicolored bead [[necklace]]s, brass [[chain]]s, metal bells, huge brass or [[silver]] [[earring]]s and heavy [[bracelet]]s of various metals.
== 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 phase]]s or agricultural cycles. [[Abo-Teni]] is revered by Donyi-Polo followers as the primal ancestor of the [[animism|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 [[Christianity|Christians]], considered "spiritually weak" by their brethren, most of whom are concentrated in [[Itanagar]]. Small groups of [[Hinduism|Hindus]] and [[Buddhism|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.
== The hornbill issue ==
The Nishi, who traditionally wear cane helmets surmounted by the crest of a [[Great Indian Hornbill|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.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
==External links==
*[http://www.nezccindia.org/ArunachalPradesh/IntroductionArunachal.asp?State=Arunachal Glimpses Of Arunachal Pradesh]
*[http://www.culturalportraits.com/CPIndia/Religion/Nyubu%20Priests.htm Nishi Nyubu Priests]
*[http://web.mid-day.com/smd/go/2003/june/56615.htm North East Frontier]
*[http://www.teri.res.in/teriin/terragreen/issue12/feature.htm From a Cocoon, with Hope]
*[http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=dap Ethnologue profile], old profile [http://www.ethnologue.com/14/show_language.asp?code=DAP]
{{Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh}}
[[Category:Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Tribes of Assam]]