Material Culture

Material culture is defined as the physical objects that a group of people creates, possesses and utilizes. It includes dwellings, art, weapons, tools, clothing and adornment and represents the groups thinking and methodology of performing tasks. The Jarawas fully utilize all the raw materials in the environment through culturally derived techniques.

The artifacts made and used by the Jarawa are mostly function oriented and gender specific. The men are responsible for making bows (aav), arrows (patho) and chest guard (kekad) all of which only they use. Conversely women make fishing nets (botho) and cane baskets (taika), which are used by women for collection of materials. However the wooden bucket (uhu) is primarily made by men, though women help in decorating it and is used by both sexes.

Learn more about their settlements and tools and weapons.

The making of the uhu