Beads of Arunachal Pradesh: Emerging Cultural Context

Beads of Arunachal Pradesh: Emerging Cultural Context describes the cultural significance of various beads among the people of North-East India, in general, and Arunachal Pradesh, in particular. The tradition of beads has been deeply ingrained in the lives of people in the Northeast for time immemorial. The continuing popularity of beads has led to the manufacturing of spurious products. Despite the onslaught of globalisation even in rural areas, the popularity of beads has not diminished among the people. Beads are used as a bartering item and usually take the place of money even now. The book describes the economic, cultural, and ritual significance of beads, their historical relation to migration and popular beliefs, classification mechanisms, legends and history surrounding them, and ethnic specifications. The oral history, gender questions, social dynamics, and even inter- and intra-tribal relationships have been described in detail in the book. With its several beautiful images, the book makes for an engaging read and serves as a guide for those interested not only in beads but also in the history and culture of the Northeast.