Preserving Intangible Cultural Wisdom in Folklores: Proverbs and Taboos among the Tagin of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

Oral tradition plays a crucial role in safeguarding the cultural history of tribal communities. The Tagin tribe, a prominent group in Arunachal Pradesh, has a wealth of oral traditions expressed in various formats, including folklore, folktales, and legends. Among these, folklore stands out as a vital element of the intangible cultural wisdom, encapsulating the traditional knowledge, customs, beliefs, and expressions of the tribal community, which are transmitted from one generation to the next. Key components of this folklore include proverbs and taboos. Proverbs are brief traditional sayings that reflect collective wisdom and offer guidance to the community, while taboos are sociocultural restrictions that prohibit certain behaviours within the community. The Tagin community possesses a rich collection of proverbs and taboos. Therefore, this study focuses on selected proverbs and taboos within the Tagin community to explore their social, moral, and cultural values in maintaining the community's identity. The research utilizes both primary and secondary sources.