Ho

Abstract

This booklet is photographic representation of the socio-cultural life of the tribal community known as HO. It is a Kolarian tribe belonging to the same stock of Munda and Kol. They mainly inhabit the Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts of Odisha. As per 2001 census, their population in Odisha is 42 555. The Hos generally live in multiethnic villages in separate hamlets. A typical Ho settlement is conspicuous by the sight of large tombstones commemorating their ancestors at different places of the village. The other landmarks are Akhara, the dancing arena at the centre of the village and Sarana the sacred grove of the village deities Desauli located at the village outskirts. Like other tribes of Odisha they believe in existence of several gods and goddesses, ghosts, spirits, ancestors, witches etc. Bonga is the generic term for all gods and goddesses. Singa Bonga or Sun god is their supreme deity. The kitchen is a sacred place where ading, the seat of their ancestors lies. Tattooing is a popular fashion among women. They are divided into several exogamous, totemic clans called Killi. They follow the rule of village exogamy. They are settled agriculturists. Besides, they also depend on food gathering, forestry and animal domestication, hunting and fishing to supplement their livelihood. They are skilled earth diggers and also have expertise in basketry and rope making. In recent times due to multifarious development interventions, both by the Government and Non-government agencies, the Hos are undergoing a phase of transition. But they are struggling hard to retain their time tested values, customs and traditions. This book will be interesting and useful for the researchers, tourists, academicians, laymen and everyone who are inquisitive to know about our tribal brethren as well as understand, admire and appreciate their simplicity and genuinity.