Department of Anthropology, Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar has successfully completed an ethnographic fieldwork at Jote Village, Papumpare District, 22 km away from the college. A team of 16 BA anthropology 5th Semester students was led by Dr. Ratna Tayeng, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Anthropology, DNGC. The field study was conducted for 14 days starting from 10th February and completed on 23rd February 2021. This ethnographic fieldwork was conducted as a part of the academic curriculum.
The villagers of Jote village and headmaster of Secondary school Jote, Mr. Nabam Chaeng had warmly received the anthropological team and offered their Headmaster old office for lodging. The villagers also help the team throughout the fieldwork period in every possible way. The anthropological team had studied various aspects of the village and the community like the socio-economic profile of the village, customary law, folklore, birth & death ritual, marriage, indigenous knowledge system, daily life, economic life, material culture, village women, health status, religion, village development, folk medicine, etc. They also conducted an outreach programme at Secondary School Jote on 18th February on the occasion of World Anthropology Day. The programme included carrier counseling and drawing competition. The programme ended with a prize distribution function chaired by Mr. Nabam Chaeng, Head Master of the school. Moreover, the team also distributed various study materials to the students of Govt. Secondary School Jote.
On 22 February, the anthropological team had organized a farewell and campfire. The function was graced by Mr. Mallo Nai, Chairperson Gram Panchayat, Mr. Nabam Tassap (Gram Member), Ms. Techi Pakap (Gram Member), Ms. Tam Yakar (Gram Member), Mr. Taba Dacha (Gram Member), Ms. Nabam Yasing (Head Gaon Buri), Mr. Mallo Tasso (Gaon Bura), Ms. Taba Dumsap (Gaon Buri), Mr. Nabam Tai (Gaon Bura), Mr. Taba Tado (Gaon Bura), Mr. Nabam Epo (Gaon Bura), Nabam Ebon (Member Village Development Committee), Nabam Chaeng, Headmaster, Govt. Secondary School Jote. All PRI Members and Gam Buras of Jote village were very pleased for selecting their village for the ethnographic fieldwork. Mr. Techi Yakap (Head Gam Buras) attending the programme delivered a speech on the importance of anthropology in Arunachal Pradesh. In his thanking speech, Dr. Ratna Tayeng also acknowledged the villagers for their hospitality and cooperation throughout their stay in the village.
