Squirrels and Tribes – A Cultural Analysis From Indian Eastern Himalayas

Abstract

Based on an ethnozoological study carried out from December 2018 to November 2019, this paper attempts to document the usage of squirrel species for various purposes by the Adi, Idu Mishmi, Miju Mishmi, Tangsa, Chakma and Monpa tribe living near the villages adjoining the protected areas located in the districts of East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Dibang Valley, Lohit, Changlang and West Kameng of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The paper also describes the use of certain squirrel species as a part of their traditional culture and lists their names in English, Vernacular and Latin names. The study has led to an understanding that eight squirrel species are used by the tribes for cultural, food and medicinal purposes. This work contributes to ethnozoological research by describing a knowledge system of squirrel species use and the association of squirrel species with the cultural believes of the tribes.

Rodent - a part of culture and revolution in India

“…In the Adi language, this species is referred to as "Leiboh/Leipoh." It plays a pivotal role in the traditional marital customs of this community (Chetia et al 2022). As part of the marriage ritual, the groom is required to present a dowry consisting of two pairs of these squirrels to the bride's family.…”

“…Remarkably, this attempt proved successful, and the marriage was allowed to proceed. As a result of the squirrel's pivotal role as an intermediary in the union of Doying Bote and Kine Nane, it has become an integral and inseparable element of the Adi tribe's cultural heritage (Chetia et al 2022).…”