Hunting monkeys and gathering identities: exploring self-representation among the Birhor of Central-East India

Nadal, D. (2014) Hunting monkeys and gathering identities: exploring self-representation among the Birhor of Central-East India. Ricerca Folklorica, 69, pp. 263-278.

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Publisher's URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/43897040

Abstract

The Birhor are a small society of Central-East India who are, to an extent, still consistently practicing hunting and gathering, in addition to making and selling ropes. In the last Fifty years, deforestation and the intrusion of government programs of development that promote sedentariness and a conversion to agriculture have been deeply affecting Birhor culture and economy. Anthropological studies in this cultural context have often overemphasized isolation of tribal communities, especially the ones considered more "primitive" as with the Birhor, and have generally understated their relationships with other groups. This article differs by focusing on the process of image building that Birhor constantly undertake to define themselves through the eyes of their neighbouring groups and, above all, to find a place for themselves within the rapidly changing economic network they are inserted in. The focus will be on their active role in this negotiation of identity and on the adaptive strategies they are putting in practice, with particular reference to the widespread view of their unique connection with forests and monkeys.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Nadal, Dr Deborah
Authors: Nadal, D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Ricerca Folklorica
Publisher:Grafo Spa
ISSN:0391-9099
ISSN (Online):2283-6160

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