article

A Study of social attitudes among the Garo

Man in India48 (1) • Published In 1968 • Pages: 55-70

By: Goswami, M. C., Majumdar, Dhirendra Narayan.

Abstract
This work is a compilation of odd topics leftover from the investigators main research. Goswami and Majumdar write about sex, social gradations, grief, anger, dream symbolism, supernatural beings, social control, personality types, and suicide. On the one hand children are taught not to abhor sex, on the other hand, they learn to be ashamed of their genitalia. According to the authors, masturbation and homosexuality are unknown to the Garos, however, see Sinha (1966, document no. 18) for a different account. The Garo, a matrilineal society, do not regard menstrual blood as repugnant. Other observations include i) Garo expression of grief is subdued, ii) they highly value tangible property, iii) there are no clan associated deities, shamans, or other spiritual mediums.
Subjects
Personality traits
Personal names
Status, role, and prestige
Burial practices and funerals
Revelation and divination
Eschatology
Spirits and gods
Sex
culture
Garo
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
Asia
Sub Region
South Asia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1998
Field Date
1958-1968
Coverage Date
1958-1968
Coverage Place
Garo Hills Autonomous District, Meghalaya State, India
Notes
M. C. Goswami ; D. N. Majumdar
Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-70)
LCCN
sa 64000670
LCSH
Garo (Indic people)