The seventh ‘exhibit of the month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghralaya is being liked by all the visitors. The intricately carved wooden comb of the Muria tribe known as ‘Paniya’ has become popular amongst visitors for its simplicity yet the beauty.
The cultural significance of this comb is a never heard story for the visitors. Greatly spellbound and intricately carved Paniya (wooden comb) of the Muria tribe plays an important role in communicating love and affection among the unmarried boys and girls who live in Ghotul.
Ghotulis, a dormitory of the adolescent boys and girls and this traditional institution voluntarily provides them to learn social and cultural values under the leadership of the Ghotul-head.
Paniya appears in different forms, shapes and sizes and are manifested with various expressions, moods and feelings. Wooden combs are prepared by the Chelik (boys) with great endurance and presented to the Motiari (maiden) as a mark of love.
The Muria Paniya which is entailed with glorious days of dormitory life also plays a significant role for selection of mate among the Muria community.
Making of Paniya - According to Muria tradition, preparation of Paniya begins with mutual exchange and agreement. Generally, girl select the Chelik (boy) of her choice whom she offers a piece of silver metal to give in exchange of a comb.
This ritual exchange and proposal of love is commemorated in a dignified manner when girls perform combing the hair of boys. This is the time when girl confirms her proposal by whispering to the ear of the boy.
Male prepares Paniya with beautiful motifs and designs. locally available Mahua or Karahawood is used for preparation of comb.
It is intricately carved with fine details using appropriate tools locally known as Kadri (knife), Huji (chisel) and Tatti (adze). Structural Varieties - Besides human figures, Muria comb also exists with different forms like fish, turtle, snakes, birds, etc. Some of these carvings also maintain the motifs which characterises their folk stories and narratives.