Name: Ksankupar Khongstit
Department: Textile Design Department
Category: CRD
Campus : NIFT Shillong

This documentation explores the cultural heritage, traditions, and lifestyle of the Tangsa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in Changlang district. It highlights their origins, sub-tribes, settlements, language, customs, festivals, agriculture, music, dance, weaving, and handicrafts. Special attention is given to their textile traditions, weaving techniques, and the achievement of a GI tag for Tangsa textiles in 2024. The study examines how the community preserves its cultural identity while adapting to modern influences and promoting sustainable traditional practices.

About the project

This documentation provides a detailed account of the Tangsa tribe, one of the prominent indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh, mainly residing in the Changlang district. Originally believed to have migrated from Myanmar, the Tangsa comprise several sub-tribes, including Ponthai, Longchang, Muklom, Havi, Rongrang, and Pangwa, each possessing distinct customs, dialects, and cultural practices. The study covers their settlements, social organization, traditions, belief systems, language, festivals, architecture, food habits, and relationship with the natural environment.

A significant focus of the research is the Tangsa tribe’s rich textile and weaving heritage. Weaving serves not only as a source of livelihood but also as an important marker of cultural identity. The documentation examines traditional weaving techniques, tools, natural dyes, and handcrafted textiles that have been preserved through generations. It also highlights the successful recognition of Tangsa textiles with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag on 28 February 2024, a milestone achieved through the dedicated efforts of community members. The study further explores the socioeconomic conditions of the Tangsa people and their efforts to balance cultural preservation with modernization. By documenting their stories, traditions, and artistic practices, the research emphasizes the importance of safeguarding indigenous knowledge and sustainable textile traditions while fostering greater appreciation for the Tangsa tribe’s valuable contribution to the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.