Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month.
The exhibit for the month of September 2024 Avujam- A Musical Instrument is on display in the indoor exhibition building–Veethi Sankul. The 'exhibit of the month' was inaugurated by V.Ranganath, Additional Commissioner, Employees Provident Fund Organisation, Government of India Bhopal on the occasion many dignitaries were present. This object has been composed by Assistant keeper DrAshok Vardhan.On this occasion, the Director of the Museum, Amitabh Pandey welcomed V.Ranganath, Additional Commissioner by giving him a bouquet and honored him by presenting him the logo of the Museum.
About the exhibit displayed in the exhibition, Assistant keeper Dr Ashok Vardhan.said that the most important cultural object of Konda Reddies community is Avujam or Auzam, a percussion instrument in cylindrical shape with double membrane is collected during the fieldwork from the Urrinka village, of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. It is the symbol and cultural identity of Konda Reddis without which no festivals or ceremonies are celebrated. It is said that if the village has more Avujams there will be more festivals. The elders of the village believe that the village community is united by this musical instrument. Avujam is played by the male and other members of the community join for the celebrations in the form of dance. While collecting all the materials for making Avujam, all the members must observe some norms, such as Upavasam means fasting, and take a head bath every day. For the collection of monkey skin, a special team is selected by the village headman.
Art and Craft:
The Konda Reddis are skilled artisan communities in preparation of domestic objects, basketry, and musical instruments. Their art and craft not only reflect their creative skills but also illustrate their cultural identity. Usage of bamboo has ritualistic, livelihood, domestic and nutritional significance in Konda Reddis.
