A Northern Chin Tradition

In this volume we are provided with a unique insider's perspective on the rich culture of the northern Chin area of Burma\Myanmar by S. Khup Chin Pau, who, as grandson of Chief Hau Chin Khup, grew up amongst the feasts of merit and clan funerals of Kamhau chiefs at the height of their power and opulence. His account of the historical traditions of the area gains further depth and verisimilitude from exclusive access to rare documents and recordings of previous generations, including the personal notebooks of Pu Vung Za Kham, Secretary to Chief Pum Za Mang. Beginning with the traditional architecture of the Kamhaus, Sukte and Siyins of the Northern Chin Hills, the book moves on to present the Sukte story in both poetry and song, and a local history of Sukte-Kamhau. The Sukte-Kamhau customs pertaining to the entirety of the life-cycle are described, including coming of age, courtship, marriage, the birth of a baby and the politically important communal feasts, funerals and memorials. A direct representation of peerless primary material, this highly illustrated work presents a wealth of data that will constitute a valuable resource for local people and scholars alike.