ITANAGAR, Mar 17: The RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages (RCML) has successfully concluded a comprehensive field study focusing on the material culture of the Wancho tribe in Longding district of the State.
The study was conducted from March 9 to 16 in Kamhua Noknuin upper Wancho village under Pongchau circle; Longkhaw, Niuasa, Mintong and Niuanu (middle Wancho villages) in Longding circle of the district.
The research team included Dr Rotnojoy Reang (Jr research officer), Sapna Lingi (research assistant-cum-field coordinator, RCML, RIWATCH) and Nabu Umbrey (Jr documentation officer, RIWATCH).
The field work aimed at documenting and interpreting the traditional material culture of the Wancho community of Longding district, to analyze the social, religious and symbolic significance on material objects of the tribe.
As part of RCML’s larger mission to preserve, promote and revive the rich indigenous cultural heritage, the team’s mission also included sensitizing the community members regarding the importance of preserving their heritage.
A major outcome of the project will be the publication of a monograph, which will serve as an educational tool and help in transmitting traditional knowledge across generations. Additionally, the community has donated their traditional artifacts to the RIWATCH museum.
In this go, the RCML has extended its deep gratitude to the local organization and community members - Banwang Losu (executive director Wancho Literary Mission), Jatwang Wangsa (research officer, WLM) and Wangjen Wangsu (Wancho language teacher) for their “full” support and cooperation.