IPD | IMCLS

Identification, preservation & Documentation Of Igu (IPD-Igu)

In the quest for continuity

The tradition of Igu (Shaman) among the Idu Mishmis is slowly fading—both in numbers and in practice. In the past, every village had more than one Igu. Today, a single Igu often travels to several villages, responding to calls from far-off places.

With their decline, the sacred oral traditions and ancient knowledge they carry are also at risk of disappearing. Many of the remaining Igus face health challenges due to their demanding schedules.

To address this, the Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS), under the leadership of Er. Ginko Lingi (President) and Shri Rao Dele (Secretary) formed the Committee on Identification, Preservation, and Documentation of the Institution of Igu/Shaman (IPD-IGU, IMCLS).

Supported by community contributions and voluntary funding, the committee created a database of existing Igus. The records show only 67 Igus across the Idu Mishmi community, many of whom are no longer active due to age and health.

Strategic Approach

The Committee has adopted a two-pronged strategy to preserve the Igu tradition:

Short-term: Upgrade and provide logistical support to practicing Igus.
Long-term: Document oral traditions through digital, audio-visual, and print mediums, while training new Igus through apprenticeships or a dedicated Shaman school.

Initiative I: Restoring the Ritual Heritage

Many sacred costumes and ritual items of the Igus have been lost or taken away over time. The Committee is working to recover and restore them by encouraging families of retired Igus to return these items. This helps preserve our heritage and supports practicing Igus in continuing their traditions.

Initiative 2: Sustaining the Igu Tradition
To preserve the Idu Mishmi shamanic heritage, IMCLS has documented most Igu rituals and introduced an apprenticeship model to train new shamans (Tamros). The Idu Mishmi Shaman Fellowship Program, launched in 2021 in collaboration with NCF and later with RIWATCH and ICCS, aims to keep this tradition alive. Annual Tamro Workshops across Roing and Anini further build local capacity, while the Igu Association works to strengthen collective practices and ethics.