The Adis, one of the main tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, live mostly in West Siang, Upper Siang, East Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts of the State. Traditionally, they are believers of the Donyi-Polo tradition though they practise an animistic creed and propitiate various gods and goddesses on different occasions.
The Adis believe in a number of di- vine and malevolent spirits. They propitiate the benevolent ones to win their approval and the malevolent ones to wean them away from inflicting pains to them. Innumerable tales and myths are woven around them which constitute a major part of their social mythos.
Besides the myths there are a large number of tales known to the tribe's members some of which are parables in nature while many others are illustrations of their cultural icons.
This anthology of 57 folktales of the Adis has been compiled by the author after research spread over a number of years and in consultation with folk tale singers-Miris-who pass them on from generation to generation by word of mouth. The tales have been briefly and simply presented, along with a list of keywords at the end of the tales.
Along with the anthology of tales a large number of illustrations depict- ing facets of the social and cultural life of the Adis provide an appropriate context of the tales and add great value to this excellent book.
OBANG TAYENG (b. 1961) graduated from Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat with Honours in Political Science. He has long been associated with Adi cultural and literary activities in various capacities.
Besides writing features and articles from time to time in local newspapers, he has also edited two anthologies of Adi poetry and co-edited two other books. Presently, he is working on folk tales of the Mishmis of Lohit District.
The Adis are one of the main tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. They live mostly in West Siang, Upper Siang, East Siang, and Lower Dibang Valley Districts of the state. They are a major community of Tani group, who claim to have descended from Tani, their mythical forefather. Traditionally, they are believers in Donyi-Polo tradition though they practice an animistic creed and propitiate various gods and goddesses on different occasions.
They perform a number of festivals throughout the year, the chief among them being Solung, Mopin, Aaran or Unying, and Pime. Solung and Mopin are two fertility festivals in which the people propitiate the goddesses, Kine Nane and Mopin respectively. In addition to these, they also pray to various gods for their family and social well- being. Aaran or Unying as it is called by some, is observed to welcome the New Year as well as to bid farewell to the old one. Pime is observed just before the start of harvesting winter crops during which they organise community hunting and perform Delong dance.
Song and dance is an integral part of their socio-cultural life. Delong, Ponung Yakjong, and Tapu are the main forms of dance for the people. Usually, a singer leader, called, Min leads the dance, who narrates a particular storyline or a theme impromptu by holding a rattling sword in order to harmonise his song with the dance. One of the main themes of singing on such occasions is Aabang-narration of certain specific subjects-, which is presented by the singer leader in a ballad, the refrains of which are echoed by the dancers. Bari is another form of song which is performed in Aaran (Unying) festival and other joyful events. Usually, only two singers compete in a Bari without accompaniment of any dancers. In most of these songs, the themes range from the story of creation to any relevant subject.
Another prominent feature of their way of life is the existence of a village and an inter village council, called, Kebang and Bango Kebang respectively through which all disputes are settled and major decisions are adopted. Usually, the councils are held in the village community building, called, Musup or Dere, which are constructed by villagers specifically for organising community activities.
Because of their practice of an animistic tradition, Adis believe in a number of divine and malevolent spirits, which govern their mundane and spiritual life equally. They propitiate the benevolent ones from time to time to earn their approval, and malevolent ones, to wean them away from inflicting pains to them. Innumerable tales and myths are therefore, woven around them which constitutes a major part of their social mythos.
The most important source of Adi myths is Aabang, which is mostly narrated by the Miri in festivals and other social occasions through his song. The main Aabang is the Solung Aabang, which is performed during celebration of Solung festival, in the form of Ponung song. Besides this, this Aabang is narrated by the Delong Miri through a different song form on Solung Etor festival. The same storyline is also presented by the Bari singer in Aaran (Unying) festival. It is cosmogonic in nature as it deals at length about creation or rather, evolution of universe, and birth of all divine, living as well as non-living beings.
Apart from Solung Aabang, many other smaller Aabangs that explain various subjects and narrate folk stories also exist. Many of them are popularly described in lyrical form by knowledgeable singer leaders on different occasions.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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