Dr. Dharitri Narzary on 'Bodo women in the state of Assam'
Oral Traditions: Continuity and Transformations, Northeast India and Southeast Asia, Shillong (1st-4th February, 2016);Conference
Description
Dr. Dharitri Narzary discussed how Bodo women in the state of Assam have played a crucial role, not only in keeping the community tradition alive, but also in promoting it. This, she said, is particularly visible in the field of weaving and brewing, which are associated with community identity as well. The symbiotic relation people in the northeast India share with nature finds reflection in the way cultural production is processed. Interestingly, one finds a gendered difference in the way people engage with their natural environment. Is this differential response to nature in some manner related to the way culture is visualized and produced? While the engagement of women in cultural production, particularly in areas of weaving and brewing is seen more as a by-product of social and economic needs, the cultural relevance of these engagements has not been appreciated much. Social norms play an important role in establishing gendered identities around which cultural practices are articulated as representative of the community. In the patriarchal setting, while women are the actual owners of production-related knowledge, the usage of cultural objects identified with the community, remains the discretion of the men of the community.
Project Title
Oral Traditions: Continuity and Transformations, Northeast India and Southeast Asia, Shillong
DOCUMENT TYPE
image
Identifier:
SC_30
Related Term
Oral Traditions
Related place
Shillong
USE RESTRICTIONS
In Copyright
RIGHTS HOLDER
INTACH
