Birhor

The Borhor people live in bands. they are semi -nomadic , hunter, gatherer group by nature. The term 'Birhor' is derived from two words, 'Bir' mean forest and 'hor' means man. Thus they called themselves as man of the forests. Their dialouges belong to the Munda in Austro-asiatic sub family. A typical Birhor has a short structure, dark-complexion with long head. The women adorn themselves with glass, beads and cheap metal ornaments.The Birhor prefer to set their 'Tanda' in the outskirt of a village and nearer to the forest water and local market source. It is a self governed socio -political unit.Location of the village market in the vicinity attract them for setting up their Tanda to sell rope products. The families in a Tanda comprises both consaguneal and affinal kins. The Birhor hut 'Kumbha' provides shelters to men,domestic animals and birds. A separate Kumbha is set up for the expectant mother. The crafting of rope is a major source of Birhor economy. Forest provides them the free supply of raw materials. The Birhors practised endogamy and monogamy forms of marriage.