Socio-cultural Utility of Mithun Among Nyishi tribe of East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh

Author(s)	Amosh Tayem
Country	India
Abstract	The Mithun (Bos frontalis) holds profound socio-cultural, economic, and ritual significance among the Nyishi tribe of East Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. This paper explores the role of Mithun in festivals, Marriage, and social institutions. Focusing on the Nyokum (locally called MokomYullo) festival, the study highlights how Mithun symbolizes prosperity, spiritual mediation, and social prestige. The paper also discusses associated ritual practices, in rituals context such as bad dream rituals (Moniyang), feast of will ceremonies (Sami Dona) and Funeral rites (Bungo Palakna) also involve Mithun offerings, reflecting the belief that the animal accompanies the soul of the deceased to the afterlife and ensures peace for both the departed and the living. Field data from selected village further demonstrate variations in Mithun usage across socio-cultural events, indicating both continuity and gradual change influenced by modernization. Overall, the study reveals that Mithun remains a powerful cultural symbol representing wealth, prestige, spiritual connection, and social cohesion within Nyishi society.
Keywords	Mithun, Nyishi tribe, Nyokum festival, MokomYullo, ritual sacrifice, Marriage system, cultural symbol, Arunachal Pradesh, indigenous culture
Published In	Volume 5, Issue 6, November-December 2023
Published On	2023-11-10

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