Adi people

The Adi is a major collective tribe living in the Himalayan hills of Arunachal Pradesh, and they are found in the temperate and sub-tropical regions within the districts of Siang, Subansiri and Dibang.

Of Proto-Austronesian and Tibetan stock, they speak a language belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family. However, they believed that they were the lost descandants of the Tatars and Abo-Teni.

They are divided into several tribes and sub-tribes, which include:

• Aieng
• Ashing
• Bomo-Jambo
• Boris
• Bokar
• Gallong
• Galo
• Karko
• Milang
• Mimat
• Minyong
• Padum
• Pangi
• Pasi
• Ramo
• Shimong
• Tangma

Culture

Owing to cultural isolation, the Adi culture only elaborate simple manifestions. Dormitories play an important role among the Adi tribe, and certain rules are observed. For example, a male can visit the dormitory of a female, although he is not allowed to stay overnight. At times, guardians will have to be around to guide the youngsters.

The dress of the Adi consists of one multi-purpose cloth, known as the dhoti. Worn by both sexes, it can be easily worn by tying it around in loins, which hangs down in loose strips. Helmets made from cane, bear and deer skin are worn by the menfolk, depending on the region the people live.

Tatooing is also widely popular among the older women. While the older women wear yellow necklaces and spiral earrings, unmarried girls wear a beyop, an ornament that consists of five to six brass plates fixed under their petticoats.

Lifestyle

The Adi practice wet rice cultivation and have a considerable agricultural economy. Rice and wheat serves as the staple food for the Adi, and hunting for meat is practiced to act as a supplement to diet.

Religion

The large majorty loyally followed the Donyi-Polo religion, which involves the worship of the sun, moon and the ancestral god Abo-Teni. A few have converted to Christianity.