Ethnobotany of religious and supernatural beliefs of the Mising tribes of Assam with special reference to the 'Dobur Uie'.
Uma Kanta Sharma, Shyamanta Pegu
Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine June 2, 2011 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-7-16 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Ethnobotanical field study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Mising tribal community of Assam, India, and plants used in the Dobur Uie ritual |
| Keywords | Humans Plants, medicinal Phytotherapy Magic Occultism Ceremonial behavior Ethnobotany Culture Religion Population groups India Female Endangered species |
| Key points | The Dobur Uie ritual of the Mising community uses 30 plant species from 23 families, all of which serve both religious and medicinal purposes. The authors argue that some of these plants are at risk of disappearing and require urgent conservation, since their loss could threaten Mising cultural tradition. |
Abstract
Assam is very rich in plant biodiversity as well as in ethnic diversity and has a great traditional knowledge base in plant resources. It is inhabited by the largest number of tribes and they lead an intricate life totally dependent on forest plants. The Mising is the major section and second largest tribal community of Assam and have a rich tradition of religion and culture. Their religious practices and beliefs are based on supernaturalism. A study of the plants related to magico religious beliefs in Dobur Uie of Mising is carried out. The results revealed the use of 30 plants belonging to 23 families. All plant species are used both in religious purpose as well as in the treatment of different ailments. Details of the uses of plants and conservational practices employed in Dobur Uie are provided. Our findings on the use of plants in Dobur Uie ritual reflect that some plants are facing problems for survival and they need urgent conservation before their elimination. Because this elimination may threat the rich tradition of Mising culture. Most of the plants that are domesticated for different rituals are almost same in all Mising populated areas.