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Materrial Culture OF Assam
Cultural History (HSB659)
Aligarh Muslim University
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MATERRIAL CULTURE OF ASSAM
INTRODUCTION
We have already learned about the meaning of culture and the various characteristics of Assamese culture in previous units. Culture refers to the customs, beliefs, traditions, values, and norms that govern human behaviour in general. We've also looked into the definition of folk culture. The term "folk culture" refers to the culture of a specific region. Non-material and material culture are the two types of culture. Folk culture not only defines an ethnic group's identity, but it also enriches that society and is passed down from generation to generation. Assamese culture is diverse in many ways, and it is the result of the assimilation of various tribal and non-tribal communities. Assamese culture took on a strong colourful flavour as a result of this racial assimilation. We will discuss the meaning of material culture as well as the various house building types in Assam in this unit. We will also look at the various Assamese costumes, ornaments, and musical instruments in this chapter. In addition, we will research Assam's bell metal industry.
CONCEPT OF MATERIAL CULTURE
Material culture is often used to describe the visible aspects of a community's folk life. Material culture refers to the man-made or physical objects, resources, and other elements that define a community's culture. The material culture of a community includes how people in different tradition-oriented societies build houses, make cloths, ornaments, foods, tools, instruments, furniture, art and craft, and so on. Any community's material culture is one of its fundamental identities, preserving its uniqueness. Assam has a very rich material culture in the form of art, craft, architecture, costume, ornaments, and so on, which is a fusion of Assam's tribal and non-tribal communities.
HOUSE BUILDING TYPES AND DECORATIONS IN ASSAM
Because Assam is an earthquake-prone region, a special type of earthquake-resistant house is built. Assam-style houses are what they're known for. In most cases, these houses are single-story, but two-story and multi-story houses are also built. Bamboo, wood, thatches, cow dung, reed, cane, and other locally available materials were used to construct Assam-style houses in the past. However, due to a scarcity of these materials, other materials such as iron, cement, brick, stone, and so on are now used to construct houses in Assam. Traditional bamboo and mud houses are still built with some innovations in village areas. In traditional Assam-style houses, a weed called Ikora is extensively used to construct the walls and roof. The walls are also plastered with earth to make them stronger and more protective. Bamboo strips are sometimes used to make mud-plastered walls. Both bamboo and wood are used for the doors and windows. In these stilted houses, wooden plank flooring is used. Mud plastered floors are common in rural areas. Local grass and thatch, as well as bamboo and wooden frames, are used to construct the slanting roof. There are various types of rooms in an Assam-style house, such as Pak- Ghor (kitchen), Chora-Ghor (living room), Suwani Kotha (bedroom), and so on. Aside from these Assam-style houses, Assam's tribal communities have a variety of house types, each with its own distinct identity.
- The Bodo community's main house is known as Nomano, and it consists of three rooms: Ishing (kitchen), Okhong (dining room), and Khopra (living room) (bed room). These houses are primarily made of bamboo and timber.
- The Deori community's traditional houses are built with a long passage on one side with a large number of rooms, and the front portion of the house is kept open on three sides. The house's floor is made of flattened bamboos and is supported by wooden posts that raise it off the ground.
- The traditional Dimasa houses are known as Noh-Dima and are built in two rows facing each other. The house's superstructure is made of wood, the walls are made of bamboo with mud plasterer, and the roof is made of thatch. The entire house has been divided into various rooms for various purposes.
section, we'll get a basic understanding of the various costumes and ornaments worn by Assamese communities.
COSTUMES
Weaving has long been a popular household activity in Assam. The textiles produced by Assamese non-tribal plains are less colourful than those produced by tribal communities in the hills and plains. These, on the other hand, have a fine texture, a unique design, and colour harmony. Mekhela (item of female dress for lower part of the body from waist down to ankles), Riha (an important part of female dress used on top of the Mekhela covering the breasts and upper portion of the body), Chadar/ Upreni (women's wrapper to wrap over Mekhela and Riha), Anakata Kapor (ceremonial and sacred cloth worn on specific socio- ritual occasions), Dhoti (men's dress to cover the lower thighs and
Weaving is a popular activity among the Bodo people. Dakhana (main traditional dress of the Bodo women), Jomgra (used by Bodo women to cover the upper portion of the body), Gangrachi, Gamsa (main traditional dress of the Bodo men), Arnai (small scarf wrapped around the neck by men) are some of the Bodo community's traditional dresses.
In comparison to the other Assamese plains tribes, the Deoris produce simpler and less colourful textiles. They are, however, one-of-a-kind and stunning. Igu (female lower-body garment), Jakachiba (women's waist cloth), Khania or Cheleng (used as wrapper by elderly women, turban by men, shoulder cloth by elderly men), Barkapor and Khania Barkapor (wrapper, also used as shawl in winter), Iku (men's dhoti), Icha (shawl), Boche, Gatigee, Baiga are some of the Deori community's traditional (a towel type cloth used by women to cover the head, breast etc)
The Dimasa women are skilled weavers. The high artistic designs of Dimasa cloths are well-known. Rijamphain (women's white colour cloth worn from chest to knee), Rijamphain Beren (women's chest wrapper), Rigu (women's wrapper or lower garment), Rikhaosa (male and female muffler), Bathormai (women's garment), Sgaoha (men's turban), Rigdo (short muffler used by men), Risha (men's short
Spinning and weaving are age-old Karbi traditions, and almost every Karbi woman is a skilled weaver. They wove with a loin loom, which was an indigenous loom. The texture, design, and vibrant colours of the Karbi costumes are well-known. Pini (women's unstitched wrap / round skirt), Pekok (women's upper body cover), Pe- Cheleng (women's wrapper as well as men's dhoti), Wamkok (women's girdle), Piba (baby carrying cloth), Rikong (men's loin cloth), Choy (men's sleeveless jacket), Poho (men's turban
The Mishing people have a long and illustrious textile tradition. Ege (female lower- body garment), Ribi-Gacheng (unmarried women's covering cloth), Gero (married women's covering cloth), Riha (breast cloth), Galuk or Mibu-Galuk (sleeveless jacket), Ugon (men's dhoti), Yamboo (wrapper), Jinrek or Tongali (girdle), etc. are some of the Mishing community's traditional dresses.
Weaving is regarded as a traditional Rabha craft by all segments of the community. Rabha costumes are known for their distinctive texture, colour, and design. The major item of Rabha women's dress wraps around at breast level down to the ankles), Riphan Chakkay (chief dress of married Rabha women), Kambung (women's dress tied around the body at armpit level by married women), Khodabang or Khochne (female turban cloth), Angcha (men's turban cloth), Pajal (men's dhoti), Alan or Anay and Pachra (shawl
The Kachariwomen of Sonowal are skilled weavers. They wore the clothes of other Assamese people of the time. Mekhela (women's lower garment), Ekathia (wear above the blouse and twisting on the waist to just below the knee), Takaya (traditional towel worn on the head), Dhuti (men's lower garment), Kamij (men's upper garment), and so on are some of the traditional dresses of the Sonowal Kachari community.
ORNAMENTS
Traditional Assamese ornaments are heavily influenced by nature, with designs inspired by the province's flora and fauna, as well as some musical instruments. Assamese traditional jewellery is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans and is entirely
other ornaments on their hands, such as Ashan Shangkha and Ashan Suri. Apart from that, they perform Bihu while wearing traditional ornaments such as Lee, Kotu, Madoli, Jonbiri, Dugdugi, and so on.
- The Dimasa community's ornaments are made of precious and semi-precious stones such as coral, metals such as silver, and coins. Rmailik (made of colourful micro beads), Jongsama, Phowal (made of coral and real silver beads), Rangbersha (made of silver coins and beads), Chandrawal (made of flower shaped silver chain consisting of one, three, or sometimes three rows), and other traditional necklaces are worn by Dimasa women; bracelets or bangles such as Khadu (made of pure silver), and earrings such as Khmaothai (it is a bullet like structure made of pure silver). In addition, female Dimasas wear Shukhep, a color-striped headgear.
- The Karbi women wear a variety of necklaces, including Lek Sabai, Ser Alek Punjang, Lekdhon, Lek Pongting, Lek Ruve, Lek Pila, Lek Paikam, Lek Bongnai, Lek Changti, Lek siki, and others; Nathengpi, Nathengpi Akoron, Nathengpi Chawah, Nalangpong, Nathengpi Plirplar, They also wear Roi Tahu, Roi Setung, and Roi Pengkhara wrist bands, which come in three different styles.
- Mishing women wear bangles such as Kongge, Ain Kongge, Ga: Mkaru, Onsarmora, and Onsarmora; neck ornaments such as Tadog, Dogne, Takti, Ain a: Be, Murkong a: Be, Chandoronghaar, Baltag Doksori(a silver coin chain), Lingkar, and Pisiring; and earrings such as Pisiring, Kentu, Turi, Tak In addition to these, Mishing women dance in Lakpun. Lakpun is a waist-length garment.
- The Rabha women wear a variety of traditional necklaces and earrings, such as Chandra-Haar, Siki-Suki, Hancha or Hacha; bangles, such as Chan, Har Gulai, Mal- Kharu, Mayar-Ching Chap, Banti, Hat Baju or Kanta Baju; and bangles, such as Chan, Har Gulai, Mal-Kharu, Mayar-Ching Chap, Banti, Hat Ba In addition to these ornaments, Rabha women wore Naka Pati and Bali in the nose, Chasi-tam (a ring worn in the left hand's ring finger), Rubak or Rubuk (a girdle made of ivory with seven strings worn around the waist), and Khuchmakrang (a ring worn in the right hand's ring finger) (used in the knot of hair tied on the top of head, usually its length is nine to ten feet and made of silver).
Gamkharu, Keru, Thuriya, Dugdugi, Jonbiri, and other Assamese traditional ornaments were worn by the Sonowal Kachari community.
BELL METAL INDUSTRY
The Bell Metal industry is an Assamese indigenous industry, and its products are highly valued in Assamese society. Kanh is the local name for bell metal, and kanh udyog is the name for the industry. Kanhars are the artisans who make bell metal. They produce a large number of products using the traditional hammering method, which represents Assam's rich material culture. Bell metal manufacturing used to be found in Assam's Sarthebari, Sapatgram, Bilasipara, Raha, Titabar, Lakhipur, and some areas of Cachar. However, this industry eventually declined and died away from its traditional centres, including Sarthebari. Sarthebari (in the Barpeta district) is currently Assam's only bell metal manufacturing centre. Aside from that, bell metal industry can be found in other parts of Assam, which are mostly offshoots of Sarthebari kanhars who have relocated to those areas to expand their business. Bell metal products are made in a garshal on a cooperative basis. The ojha kanhar, or master craftsman, is the garshal's leader. He is aided by the palis, who are co-artisans. All of the tools used in the manufacturing of the bell metal products are made in the United States. Niyeri (an anvil), Haturi (a hammer), Sarah (a pair of plus or pincers), Kati (a pair of scissors used to cut the thin feat outer layer of the utensils to give them proper shape), Aake (one side pointed anvil), Reti (a rasp), Chak Bhor (a gimlet), Mohi (crucible), and so on. Some bell metal products are used in everyday household activities, while others are used in a variety of socio-religious and cultural activities. Kahi (dish), Bati (bowl), Ban Bati (bowl with a stand), Lota (a type of water pot), Bota (a type of tray with a stand), and other bell metal products are used in everyday household activities. Tal (cymbal), Barkah (a gong), Kanh (a bell), Dobakah (a large kettle drum), Ghanta (a bell), Chaki (a lamp), Bigraha (a deity image), and other bell metal products are used in various socio-religious and cultural activities in Assamese society.
The Doba is a skin-covered bowl-shaped drum. It is usually stored in a namghar (prayer hall). The Doba is typically one metre tall with a mouth diameter of one metre and twenty centimetres. The Doba's beautiful sound is created by pounding it with two sticks on cover hide. It is positioned with a slight incline to make it easier to beat. This instrument holds a high status in Assamese society and culture. The Madal is a barrel-shaped hand drum similar to the Mridanga that is commonly used in folk music. It was once made of burnt clay, but nowadays it is made of wood. The Madal's body is cylinder-shaped, with hollows at both ends. The stricter has one end that is smaller than the other and is covered in animal skin. Lather ropes are used to connect the two ends of the body. Madal is an important part of Assamese folk music. Dambaru is a wooden instrument that resembles an hourglass. The Dambaru's length ranges from 15 to 25 cm. The instrument's waist, or middle section, is narrow, and there are two strings with knots (metal or cork balls) at their ends. The Dambaru's two heads are shielded. The Dambaruis is held in the hand and rolled from side to side, causing the metal balls at the end of the strings to strike the centre of both heads alternately, producing sound with rhythmical strokes. The Dambaru is depicted as a Nataraja attribute of Lord Siva. Lord Siva is said to have performed the Dambarud during the cosmic dance. In the society, the instrument held a sacred place. The Pepai is a hornpipe instrument associated with Assamese Bihu culture. It's made of buffalo horn and has a small bamboo pipe attached to it. Pepa comes in two varieties: single and double (Juria Pepa). The dual horn Pepa has four holes, while the single horn Pepa has five to six holes. A metal ring is attached to the horn's opening, which serves as both a mechanical reinforcement and an ornament. Pepais are usually less than two feet long, but their size can vary. It holds a prestigious position in Assamese culture. In addition to musical instruments, Assamese culture and society include a variety of other instruments such as Tal, Khunjuri, Gogona, Sutuli, and others. In addition, the province's various tribal communities have their own traditional musical instruments. As a result, the presence of a diverse material culture in Assam enriches Assamese culture.
LET US SUM UP
After completing the unit, you will know that: • Material culture is a visible part of any community's folk life. The material culture of a community includes how people in different tradition-oriented societies build houses, make cloths, ornaments, foods, tools, instruments, furniture, art and craft, and so on.
- Assam has a very rich material culture in the form of art, craft, architecture, costume, ornaments, and so on, which is a fusion of Assam's tribal and non-tribal communities.
- Assam, as a land of people from various communities, is home to a diverse range of folk art, craft, costumes, and ornaments, all of which contribute to the enrichment of Assamese culture.
- Because Assam is an earthquake-prone region, a special type of earthquake-resistant house known as an Assam-Type house is built there. Assam-style houses are made of light materials such as bamboo, wood, and thatch. Other tribal communities, meanwhile, construct their traditional types of houses, which are mostly made of bamboo and wood.
- Various musical instruments are used in Assam for music and other cultural activities, enriching the Assamese cultural heritage. • The Bell Metal industry is an indigenous industry of Assam, and its products have an esteem position in Assamese society and are used in household as well as different socio-cultural and religious occasions.
Materrial Culture OF Assam
Course: Cultural History (HSB659)
University: Aligarh Muslim University
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