The members of Kom Tribal community of Manipur are renovating the traditional ‘Kom’ House in IGRMS using the thatching grass they planted last year. On this Environment day, this is the perfect example of self-sustainability.
The Kom tribe has traditionally six kinds of house types each of them have their own architectural and social distinctions.
From a common house type to the majestic Chieftains and noblemen's house; from a field house to the most revered ceremonial house; they traditionally had their elaborate roles and functions in the effective administration of the village. One such important house type is the Sombung, the youth dormitory that served as an institution for the unmarried youths.
All these traditional house types have now lost their existence and they appear to have transformed with modern architectures. With the rise of living standard and economy there has been an enormous change in the village settlement patterns.
The traditional Kom house type exhibited in IGRMS was constructed in the year 2010 is a house type called Cheshim which is identified by the presence of a twisted thatcing patterns on central ridge of the thatch called Sartang.
This symbolises 'the life cycle; the continuity of the Day and Night created by the almighty God Pathen. Some also believed that it is the symbolic representation of a patron God (Inrui) who guarded the people from all kinds inflictions from ill ailments.
The Kom tribe of Manipur feel proud to represent their community by this beautiful exhibit in the museum.
Their time to time presence in the IGRMS for taking care of the house type make it more alive and set a glaring example of a living museum.
Presently, the tribe is undertaking renovation work of their house in the museum. They are also using their local thatching grass which they have grown in the museum one year before.
They will be propagating and planting more grasses in the premises to contribute the museum in making self sustainable.