Ethnographic Museum, Guwahati
| Place | Guwahati |
|---|---|
| State | Assam |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1977 |
| Museum Type | Ethnographic / Research |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes, Khanapara, Jawahar Nagar, N.H. 37, Guwahati, Assam 781022 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Monday to Friday) Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Government Holidays. |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Museum Introduction
Established in 1977, the Ethnographic Museum in Guwahati is an integral part of the Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes (AIRTSC). Located in Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, it was founded to systematically document and preserve the distinct socio-cultural identities of the diverse ethnic communities inhabiting Assam. It serves as a vital repository for researchers and visitors seeking to understand the indigenous knowledge systems of the Northeast.
General Collections
The museum houses a specialized collection of approximately 620 artifacts that illustrate the traditional lifestyle of various tribes. The exhibits are categorized into functional groups such as traditional textiles, cane and bamboo work, agricultural implements, and hunting gear. It focuses heavily on the material culture of tribes like the Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Tiwa, and Dimasa.
Unique Historical Collections
Tribal Dioramas: Lifesize models and dioramas that vividly reconstruct the traditional dwellings and village settings of the Karbi, Tiwa, Mising, and Bodo Kachari communities. Sankari Culture Artifacts: Rare objects associated with the medieval socio-religious movement led by Srimanta Sankaradeva. Ethnic Jewelry: A significant collection of traditional ornaments made from silver, beads, and organic materials specific to the hill and plain tribes of Assam.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | This museum is distinct from the general "Ethnography Gallery" found within the Assam State Museum. It is specifically designed as a research-oriented space for the study of tribal heritage. The institute also maintains a specialized library adjacent to the museum. |
| Artifacts | Traditional hand-loomed textiles (Mekhela Chador, Dokhona); Cane and bamboo fish traps; Musical instruments like the Pepa and Gogona; Sacred ritual objects; Indigenous hunting spears and bows; Terracotta utilitarian items; Traditional headgears and masks. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 361 2235018 |
| Email ID | airtsc-asm@nic.in |