There are few things in life as fun as dancing. Dancing is liberating, more so, if it is a medium of expressing your deeply cherished customs and traditions.
For every tribe of India, there is a dance form or more. So has the Bison-Horn Maria tribe of Chhattisgarh. The male members of this tribe wear unique headgear to add rhythm to their drum beats.
Where do they live?
Bison is a kind of buffalo in the Jagdalpur region; hence, the tribe is also called Buffalo Horn Maria. They form a prominent rank of a tribal group called Gond.
This tribe is spread in and around Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh. The Bison-Horn Maria tribe also lives in Gadchiroli region of Maharashtra and a few portions of Madhya Pradesh. Having a contemplative nature, they choose to live in the thick jungles of these states. This tribe speaks in a dialect called Dandami Maria.
Buffalo horns and the tribal dance
Bison-Horn Maria tribe got its name from the headgear worn by the men during dance. This head ornament is made from Bison horn and further beautified with colourful beads.
The Bison-Horn Maria dance is performed by both men and women together. While the men wear their colourful headgear, women adorn themselves in colourful dresses and silver ornaments.
The dance is performed in easy steps and by moving about in a circle. Drums and an iron rod-like object are the important props used by the men and women during the dance. The dance is performed during marriages or festivals.
If you are keen on joining them for a tribal jig, they will let you join the party too.