Who Are the Nyishi?
The Nyishi (also Nishi or Nissi) are the largest indigenous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India, numbering approximately 300,000-350,000 people. They speak Nyishi, a Tani language of the Tibeto-Burman family with several dialects. The Nyishi inhabit the central part of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Lower Subansiri, Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, and parts of East Kameng districts. They were traditionally known as formidable warriors with a distinctive headgear featuring hornbill beaks. The Nyishi practice a blend of Donyi-Polo (sun-moon worship) animism and, increasingly, Christianity, while maintaining strong clan-based social organization.
Hornbill Headgear
The traditional Nyishi male headgear (bopia) is one of Northeast India's most distinctive adornments. Made from woven cane, it features the beak of the Great Indian Hornbill, symbolizing warrior prowess and high status. The headgear also incorporates boar tusks and bear fur. Historically, the size and ornamentation indicated social standing and achievements. With hornbills now protected, conservation efforts have introduced artificial beak substitutes, which many Nyishi have adopted. The traditional headgear remains important for ceremonies and festivals, representing Nyishi identity even as materials adapt to conservation needs.
Donyi-Polo Faith
Donyi-Polo ("Sun-Moon" in Tani languages) is the traditional animist faith of the Nyishi and related Tani peoples. Donyi (Sun) is female and Polo (Moon) is male; together they represent the supreme cosmic forces. The faith involves worship of nature spirits, ancestor veneration, and rituals performed by priests (nyibu) for healing, agricultural success, and community welfare. Animal sacrifice plays an important role. While Christianity has made significant inroads among the Nyishi, a Donyi-Polo revitalization movement has organized the faith into a more formal structure, with dedicated prayer halls and codified practices, positioning it as a marker of indigenous identity.
Contemporary Nyishi
Modern Nyishi are Arunachal Pradesh's most numerous and politically influential tribe, with significant representation in state government. Education and government employment have created a growing middle class. The traditional clan system remains important for social organization and dispute resolution. Nyishi areas have seen infrastructure development, though remoteness persists in many villages. The Nyokum festival, celebrating Nyishi new year and honoring earth and prosperity deities, has become a major state event. How the Nyishi balance rapid modernization with traditional institutions, navigate religious change between Donyi-Polo and Christianity, and maintain cultural practices shapes their future as Arunachal's largest indigenous group.
References
- Nath, J. (2000). Cultural Heritage of Tribal Societies: The Nyishis
- Riddi, A. (2012). The Nyishi of Arunachal Pradesh
- Mibang, T. & Behera, M. C. (2007). Tribal Studies