Paper Short Abstract:

This paper will study the human-material relationship of the socio-religious context of the Karbis as the unwritten craft through the visual creativity of a myriad of motifs, designs, and folksongs in reference to the Karbi textile of the karbi ethnic community of Assam, India

Paper Abstract:

In the context of Karbi textile of 'pini marlak' (male bed sheet) 'piniku' (female bed sheet) play a major role in Karbi social religious practices in Karbi culture. The traditional bed sheet of 'pini marlak' and 'piniku' both used in Karbi 'Adam Asar' (marriage) and 'Arleng Kithi' (funeral) but the meaning of the craft that used in various contexts is different. Besides, tangible and intangible meanings of the 'pini marlak' and 'piniku' in Karbi textile in the context of Karbi marriage and funeral rites have a crucial impact on the Karbi society. This paper will study the human-material relationship of the socio-religious context of the Karbis as the unwritten craft through the visual creativity of a myriad of motifs, designs and folksongs in reference to the Karbi textile. This study will be confined to the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India.