Nyishi Tribe

Nyishi Tribe Latest News

Researchers named Begonia neelamorum after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe, whose members helped them navigate rugged terrain and locate the plant during a difficult expedition.

About Nyishi Tribe

• The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh.
• In Nishi, their traditional language, Nyi refers to “a man” and the word shi denotes “a being”, which combined together refers to a civilized human being. 
• Geographical Distribution: They are concentrated in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh, East Kameng, Pakke Kesang, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, and Upper Subansiri.
• Occupation: The Nyishi support themselves with slash-and-burn agriculture and hunting and fishing. 
  • Along with agriculture and allied activities, the Nyishis are experts in handicrafts such as weaving, cane and bamboo works, pottery, blacksmith, wood carving, carpentry, etc.
• Festivals: The Nyishi celebrates three major festivals, namely, Boori-Boot (February), Nyokum (February), and Longte (April).
• Society
  • Polygymy is prevalent among the Nyishi.
  • They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several clans.
  • One striking feature of Nyishi society is that it is neither based on a caste system nor stratified into classes, except for a loose type of social distinction which is not determined by birth or occupation. 
  • Nyishis consider women the source of peace, progress and prosperity.

Source: TOI

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