Tangsa

The Tangsa tribe, also known as the Tase, lives in the Tirap and Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. A Naga tribe, they are well-built and of medium-stature.

They are divided into thirteen sub-tribes, namely:

* Longchang
* Yogli
* Mosang
* Ron-Rang
* Kimsing
* Muklom
* Tikhak
* Ponthai
* Longphi
* Sna-ke
* Longri
* Taipis
* Ha-ve

Culture

The Tangsa's habitation along the Burmese border resulted in cultural influence from neighbouring tribes across the border and the adoption of the Burmese dress among many tribal members. [cite book|title=Arunachal Pradesh, Rich Land and Poor People|author=Satya Dev Jha|publisher=Western Book Depot|year=1986|pages=94|isbn=]

Traditionally, the Tangsa kept long hair in both sexes, which is tied into a bun and covered with a piece of cloth, known as the "Khu-phak". The menfolk wear a green lungi, which is lined with yellow, red and white yarns, and accompanied with a sleeveless shirt. On the other hand, the costume of the womenfolk include an artistically woven petticoat, which acts as the lower garment, and a linen blouse.

Lifestyle

Practicing Shifting cultivation known as Jhum by using simple manual tools, the Tangsa raise crops that include paddy, millet, maize and arum, and vegetables. Rice beer, made from tapioca and rice, known as suwe, is consumed along with tea.

Owing to the climate, the Tangsa live in silt houses, which are divided into many rooms. Like the Nocte, the Tangsa have separate dormitories for men, known as "Looppong", and "Likpya" for the female.

As a united tribe, the Tangsa believed in a joint family system, and property is equally divided between all family members. A tribal council, known as "Khaphua", is administered by a Lungwang chief, who sees to the daily affairs of the Tangsa tribe.

Religion

Followers of the Donyi-Polo religion, the Tangsa believed in a supreme being that crated their existence, locally known as "Rangfrah", although belief in other deities and spirits is maintained as well. The funeral festival of the Tangsa, Mol, asks for a bumper crop as food, in particular pig, is offered to the dead. A feast between villagers is held by the bereaved family. After dusk, man and women start dancing together rhythmically with the accompanying drums and gongs.

The Tangsa have traditionally came under the influence of Theravada Buddhism, [cite book|title=New Horizons of North East|author=J. D. Baveja|publisher=Western Book Depot|year=1982|pages=68|isbn=] which resulted in the imbibing of certain religious rituals and even recently, converts. [cite book|title=Tribal Customary Laws of North-east India|author=Shibani Roy, S. H. M. Rizvi|publisher=B.R. Pub. Corp.|year=1990|pages=34|isbn=8170185866] Of late, a small minority of converted Baptist Christians do exist as well. [cite book|title=Administrative Development of Arunachal Pradesh, 1875-1975|author=Bijan Mohanta|publisher=Uppal|year=1984|pages=16|isbn=]

References

External links

* [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=nst Ethnologue profile]
* [http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=5.17.250205.feb05 Arunachal's Changlang district opposes Changlang's disintegration]
* [http://www.neuenhofer.de/guenter/Arunachal/arutext2.html Eine Reise durch das südliche Arunachal]