The Nishi Tribe
Arunachal Pradesh
The Nishi tribe, also known as the Daffla tribe, primarily resides in Arunachal Pradesh and has a presence in Assam. Traditionally, the tribe's leaders were easily recognizable by their distinctive headgear made from the Hornbill beak, a practice later adopted by other men in the tribe. However, the use of the Hornbill beak is now restricted due to the species' threatened status.
The Nishi tribe predominantly practices Christianity, with Hinduism as a secondary religion. Of Mongoloid origin, they are of medium height, well-built, and exhibit Mongoloid features. They have flat cheekbones, broad faces, small noses, and broad but small eyes.
Lineage:
Abotani Tribe
About
Family Structure
Women in the Nishi tribe undertake much of the labor, from clearing fields to harvesting. As the community relies heavily on forest produce such as wild fruits, vegetables, bamboo, and roots, women spend most of their time foraging and are the primary food gatherers. Due to widespread deforestation and soil erosion, they are compelled to travel further into the forests, a task that often takes three to four hours of their daily routine. Additionally, collecting water is considered an exclusively female responsibility.
Men in the Nishi tribe can have up to eight wives, with the entire family living under one roof. Each wife has her own kitchen, and it is common for 30 to 60 family members to reside in a single house.
Legacy
Nishi Tribes are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh and racially belong to the Mongoloid group.
Economy
The Nishi people practice slash-and-burn agriculture, commonly known as ‘Jhoom cultivation,’ and are also involved in hunting and fishing. In addition to agriculture and related activities, they excel in various handicrafts, including weaving, cane and bamboo work, pottery, blacksmithing, wood carving, and carpentry.
Current Population
300,000 Approximately
Religion
Christian (62%)
Language:
A Sino-Tibetan Language
Festivals
The Nyishi celebrates three major festivals: Boori-Boot in February, Nyokum in February, and Longte in April. These festivals are held to honor and please the gods and goddesses for good harvests, health, wealth, and prosperity. The Nyishi religious institution is known as Nyedar Namlo.
The tribe's three major festivals are Lungte Yollo, Boori Boori Yollo, and Nyokum Yollo. Nyokum Yollo, celebrated from February 24th to 26th, marks the beginning of the new year and the agricultural season. These festivals involve religious ceremonies that honor ancestors and are characterized by a belief in various spirits and superstitions. The ceremonies often align with lunar phases or agricultural cycles and are aimed at ensuring a bountiful harvest, warding off natural calamities, and promoting the prosperity of both humans and livestock.
Longte
The Longte festival holds great cultural importance for the Nyishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. It stands out for its unique tradition of avoiding animal sacrifice, opting instead for symbolic decorations made of feathers and bamboo. The altar is beautifully adorned with decorative white feathers from domestic fowl and bamboo flowers to celebrate the event.
Boori Boot Festival
This fortnight-long festival kicks off with various competitions such as tug of war, folk dancing, and archery. It is believed that the festival invokes the spirit of Boori Boot, who will bless the participants with happiness and protect them from all kinds of diseases. A special puja is performed by the priest, known as Nibu, followed by an animal sacrifice to ensure prosperity and freedom from illness for mankind.
Practices
Polygyny is a common practice among the Nishi tribe, where men can have multiple wives. This practice of polygyny is deeply rooted in Nishi culture and contributes to the social and economic structure of the tribe.