Portraits People

AdultS

A collection of photos of grownups.

A young man paying attention to the discussion at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
A young man paying attention to the discussion at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
A village elder being very attentive at a council meeting to discuss a land dispute.
A village elder being very attentive at a council meeting to discuss a land dispute.
Menjo Champia, the second of two wives of Bamiya Champia. She is the mother of Chipiri, our fictive daughter. She is bringing a full pot of water from the river. You can see her collection of water and cooking pots on the ground behind her.
Menjo Champia, the second of two wives of Bamiya Champia. She is the mother of Chipiri, our fictive daughter. She is bringing a full pot of water from the river. You can see her collection of water and cooking pots on the ground behind her.
This man does not look like a Ho or tribal person. He has a longer face than the typical Austro-Asiatic look. He wears a distinctly non-tribal necklace with typically Hindu rudraksh beads.
This man does not look like a Ho or tribal person. He has a longer face than the typical Austro-Asiatic look. He wears a distinctly non-tribal necklace with typically Hindu rudraksh beads.
A village elder at a council meeting to discuss a land dispute. He is amused by a statement made by the village headman, the ‘manki’, who was appealing for a calmer discussion.
A village elder at a council meeting to discuss a land dispute. He is amused by a statement made by the village headman, the ‘manki’, who was appealing for a calmer discussion.
Joto Champia, the Dubil village ‘munda’ or headman listening carefully to the discussion at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
Joto Champia, the Dubil village ‘munda’ or headman listening carefully to the discussion at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
An elderly woman who is happily drunk after drinking rice beer made by my partner Valerie, who was renowned for brewing very strong ‘diyang’, rice beer.
An elderly woman who is happily drunk after drinking rice beer made by my partner Valerie, who was renowned for brewing very strong ‘diyang’, rice beer.
Sukuram Champia, the village accountant and younger brother of Bamiya Champia, the ‘Manki’, at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
Sukuram Champia, the village accountant and younger brother of Bamiya Champia, the ‘Manki’, at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
A village elder listening to a village council discussion about a land dispute.
A village elder listening to a village council discussion about a land dispute.
Rupa Murmu listening to a village council discussion about the problem of one of his fields being encroached on by another villager.
Rupa Murmu listening to a village council discussion about the problem of one of his fields being encroached on by another villager.
A father looking on proudly as his children attend the new school that was set up in Dubil. Unfortunately this school soon collapsed as the visiting master failed to attend.
A father looking on proudly as his children attend the new school that was set up in Dubil. Unfortunately this school soon collapsed as the visiting master failed to attend.
Returning home from shopping at the weekly market in the nearby large village of Chhotanagra. Note the simple white sari with a coloured border. Younger women prefer brighter printed saris.
Returning home from shopping at the weekly market in the nearby large village of Chhotanagra. Note the simple white sari with a coloured border. Younger women prefer brighter printed saris.
Three girls dressed in their best and waiting for the dancing to begin during Ba Porob.
Three girls dressed in their best and waiting for the dancing to begin during Ba Porob.
A young women dressed in her finery for the dancing on the festival day of Maghe Porob.
A young women dressed in her finery for the dancing on the festival day of Maghe Porob.
Doya Champia.
Doya Champia.
Menjo Champia, the second wife of Bamiya Champia, the ‘Manki’, paramount headman of Saranda Pir. She is the mother of Chipiri, our fictively adopted daughter. Here she stands in the doorway of her family home.
Menjo Champia, the second wife of Bamiya Champia, the ‘Manki’, paramount headman of Saranda Pir. She is the mother of Chipiri, our fictively adopted daughter. Here she stands in the doorway of her family home.
Kaera Champia, looking very thoughtful.
Kaera Champia, looking very thoughtful.
Ruidas Champia, the youngest brother of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir. He lived near us, with his two sons, Doya, Biru and daughter, Nanika. His wife, Sonam, had died, so he had a difficult life. He made his living selling rice beer to mine workers needing a drink after a day’s hard work. He is smoking a ‘bidi’ cheroot while the miners drink his rice beer.
Ruidas Champia, the youngest brother of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir. He lived near us, with his two sons, Doya, Biru and daughter, Nanika. His wife, Sonam, had died, so he had a difficult life. He made his living selling rice beer to mine workers needing a drink after a day’s hard work. He is smoking a ‘bidi’ cheroot while the miners drink his rice beer.
Dursu Champia, a villge elder. He knew about herbal medicine and one of the many shamans or ‘deonwa’. He was often consulted when in trance to the ‘bongas’ or spirits with whom he had developed a relationship.
Dursu Champia, a villge elder. He knew about herbal medicine and one of the many shamans or ‘deonwa’. He was often consulted when in trance to the ‘bongas’ or spirits with whom he had developed a relationship.
Palo Champia, the first of two wives of Bamiya Champia. She is the mother of Dule, Chumbru, Mongol and one daughter Pelon. Palo is the daughter of Moso Hasda, a Santal, a different tribe. This is a rare marriage of a Santal to a Ho. But both their fathers were tribal headmen in Dubil and wealthy landowners. Here Palo is drinking a leaf cupful of ‘diyang’ rice beer that she has brewed.
Palo Champia, the first of two wives of Bamiya Champia. She is the mother of Dule, Chumbru, Mongol and one daughter Pelon. Palo is the daughter of Moso Hasda, a Santal, a different tribe. This is a rare marriage of a Santal to a Ho. But both their fathers were tribal headmen in Dubil and wealthy landowners. Here Palo is drinking a leaf cupful of ‘diyang’ rice beer that she has brewed.
Palo Champia, the elder of two wives of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman, 'Manki' of Saranda Pir. She is the step-mother of Chipiri, our fictive daughter. She is happy because her fermented rice beer is ready to be drunk. She has just offered us to drink a cup of it.
Palo Champia, the elder of two wives of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman, 'Manki' of Saranda Pir. She is the step-mother of Chipiri, our fictive daughter. She is happy because her fermented rice beer is ready to be drunk. She has just offered us to drink a cup of it.
Palo Champia, the elder of Manki Bamiya Champia's two wives. She is preparing two ‘rung pata’ or creeper leaves. These will be pinned together to make two ‘pu:u’ leaf cups, from which we will drink her ‘diyang’ rice beer.
Palo Champia, the elder of Manki Bamiya Champia's two wives. She is preparing two ‘rung pata’ or creeper leaves. These will be pinned together to make two ‘pu:u’ leaf cups, from which we will drink her ‘diyang’ rice beer.
An elderly man from Dubil. He does not have a razor or even an old razor blade. His only chance of a shave is at the nearby weekly market in Chhotanagra. To pay for this he will need to give rice or a measure of 'chironji' nuts or pay in cash, which he is unlikely to have.
An elderly man from Dubil. He does not have a razor or even an old razor blade. His only chance of a shave is at the nearby weekly market in Chhotanagra. To pay for this he will need to give rice or a measure of 'chironji' nuts or pay in cash, which he is unlikely to have.
An elderly lady sitting outside Bamiya Manki’s house. Note her simple clothing, lack of footwear and the hardness of her hands. She wears a good looking necklace and bangle. She likes to look good.
An elderly lady sitting outside Bamiya Manki’s house. Note her simple clothing, lack of footwear and the hardness of her hands. She wears a good looking necklace and bangle. She likes to look good.
Sukuram Champia, our immediate neighbour, sat on the verandah of our house with a neighbour from nearby.
Sukuram Champia, our immediate neighbour, sat on the verandah of our house with a neighbour from nearby.
Jintu Champia, Dubil's village priest, smoking a 'chillum' pipe of 'ganja' hashish, which grows wild in the region.
Jintu Champia, Dubil's village priest, smoking a 'chillum' pipe of 'ganja' hashish, which grows wild in the region.
A drunken man from Dubil, who has fallen asleep at the weekly market using his turban as a pillow. Weekly markets are where Ho men hold cockfights and woman earn money by selling homemade rice beer (diyang). Hence the heavy drinking and sharing of gossip.
A drunken man from Dubil, who has fallen asleep at the weekly market using his turban as a pillow. Weekly markets are where Ho men hold cockfights and woman earn money by selling homemade rice beer (diyang). Hence the heavy drinking and sharing of gossip.
A Ho man in his best turban at the Chhotanagra weekly market. This is the best time for dressing up and meeting distant agnatic relatives from surrounding villages.
A Ho man in his best turban at the Chhotanagra weekly market. This is the best time for dressing up and meeting distant agnatic relatives from surrounding villages.
Dursu Champia was attacked by a wild bear in the forest. He wanted us to cure his wound as there are no medical facilities near Dubil. We gave him some antiseptic ointment and bandaged it to keep the flies off it. A week later it had healed despite its depth and his loss of blood.
Dursu Champia was attacked by a wild bear in the forest. He wanted us to cure his wound as there are no medical facilities near Dubil. We gave him some antiseptic ointment and bandaged it to keep the flies off it. A week later it had healed despite its depth and his loss of blood.
A woman from Dubil taking a pot of water from the small stream that flows through the village. Just to the right of this photo there is a freshwater spring, where people fill their drinking water pots.
A woman from Dubil taking a pot of water from the small stream that flows through the village. Just to the right of this photo there is a freshwater spring, where people fill their drinking water pots.
An elderly man from Dubil simply clad and without any sandals, but carrying a long bamboo pole to frighten birds off his wild silk caterpillars that will make silk cocoons in his trees.
An elderly man from Dubil simply clad and without any sandals, but carrying a long bamboo pole to frighten birds off his wild silk caterpillars that will make silk cocoons in his trees.
Bamiya Champia, the ‘Manki’ paramount headman, gave us permission to live in his village. This photo was taken soon after our arrival, when we lived in our tent. Then he let us use his spare room. Later he arranged for us to live in the old house of Sukuram, his younger brother. While Sukuram lived opposite us. Here Bamiya is smoking my pipe, which he fancied and I finally gave him.
Bamiya Champia, the ‘Manki’ paramount headman, gave us permission to live in his village. This photo was taken soon after our arrival, when we lived in our tent. Then he let us use his spare room. Later he arranged for us to live in the old house of Sukuram, his younger brother. While Sukuram lived opposite us. Here Bamiya is smoking my pipe, which he fancied and I finally gave him.
Bamiya Champia, paramount headman of Saranda Pir. This was taken on our first morning in his village. We were sleeping in a tent outside his house. It was cold in the early morning and we huddled around a fire while he listened to us; who we were and what we hoped to do in his village as anthropologists. He listened intently, though I doubt he understood much as my Ho language was still very basic.
Bamiya Champia, paramount headman of Saranda Pir. This was taken on our first morning in his village. We were sleeping in a tent outside his house. It was cold in the early morning and we huddled around a fire while he listened to us; who we were and what we hoped to do in his village as anthropologists. He listened intently, though I doubt he understood much as my Ho language was still very basic.
All dressed up in her best for dancing during the Maghe Porob festival.
All dressed up in her best for dancing during the Maghe Porob festival.
A village elder smoking a ‘bidi’, cheroot at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
A village elder smoking a ‘bidi’, cheroot at a village council meeting to sort out a land dispute.
Ruidas Champia, the youngest brother of Dubil village paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. He was a close neighbour of ours.
Ruidas Champia, the youngest brother of Dubil village paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. He was a close neighbour of ours.
A village elder enjoying the arguments at a council meeting to discuss a land dispute.
A village elder enjoying the arguments at a council meeting to discuss a land dispute.
Two girls looking anxious.
Two girls looking anxious.
Young Ho boys in Chaibasa market. Note how differently they are dressed in collared shirts, very different from the forest dwelling Ho boys in the Saranda Forest area.
Young Ho boys in Chaibasa market. Note how differently they are dressed in collared shirts, very different from the forest dwelling Ho boys in the Saranda Forest area.
This young man from the Saranda Forests is wearing the traditional turban.
This young man from the Saranda Forests is wearing the traditional turban.
These young men in the Chaibasa Market have smart modern hats and well ironed and collard modern terrycotton shirts and a ghetto-blaster radio, very different from the forest dwelling boys of the Saranda. They have all probably been educated.
These young men in the Chaibasa Market have smart modern hats and well ironed and collard modern terrycotton shirts and a ghetto-blaster radio, very different from the forest dwelling boys of the Saranda. They have all probably been educated.
These young men in Chaibasa market are wearing smart shirts and dark glasses. They have probably been to school and are very differently dressed to those living in the Saranda Forest region.
These young men in Chaibasa market are wearing smart shirts and dark glasses. They have probably been to school and are very differently dressed to those living in the Saranda Forest region.
These young men are the boys of the local potters (kumars) c0mmunity, living in the Saranda Forest area near Chhotanagra.
These young men are the boys of the local potters (kumars) c0mmunity, living in the Saranda Forest area near Chhotanagra.
This young girl from Dubil is wearing the traditional plain white cotton sari and a simple beaded necklace.
This young girl from Dubil is wearing the traditional plain white cotton sari and a simple beaded necklace.
This young girl from Dubil is carefully looking after her younger brother. She will almost certainly never have attended school and does not have any sandals.
This young girl from Dubil is carefully looking after her younger brother. She will almost certainly never have attended school and does not have any sandals.
This young man from Dubil stands beside the memorial stone of an ancestor wearing a simple cotton lungi. The memorial slab is close to the family home and has become a useful storage place for the straw rope of a rice storage bundle and firewood.
This young man from Dubil stands beside the memorial stone of an ancestor wearing a simple cotton lungi. The memorial slab is close to the family home and has become a useful storage place for the straw rope of a rice storage bundle and firewood.
This young couple are sharing a single stool. She is wearing a smart woven cotton sari and an expensive printed cloth bodice. She is clearly dressed to attract her boyfriend.
This young couple are sharing a single stool. She is wearing a smart woven cotton sari and an expensive printed cloth bodice. She is clearly dressed to attract her boyfriend.
Gurbari Champia of Dubil village is cleaning her teeth with the chewed end of a neem twig. Most forest dwelling Ho do this on first waking up. It not only has a good abrasive quality, but neem sap has mild antiseptic properties that are good for gum disease.
Gurbari Champia of Dubil village is cleaning her teeth with the chewed end of a neem twig. Most forest dwelling Ho do this on first waking up. It not only has a good abrasive quality, but neem sap has mild antiseptic properties that are good for gum disease.
Mongol Champia, son of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, is swinging a bunch of smouldering leaves in preparation of smoking the bees out of their hive, so he can extract their honeycomb.
Mongol Champia, son of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, is swinging a bunch of smouldering leaves in preparation of smoking the bees out of their hive, so he can extract their honeycomb.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, with her brother Mongol Champia, having fun while she cleans and peels some recently collected tubers from the surrounding forests.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, with her brother Mongol Champia, having fun while she cleans and peels some recently collected tubers from the surrounding forests.
A young boy having a rest on the forecourt of his house after a day gathering wild fruits and roots in the forest.
A young boy having a rest on the forecourt of his house after a day gathering wild fruits and roots in the forest.
Mongol Champia, son of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir. He is smoking a mammoth ‘bidi’ cheroot that he has just made from a sal leaf and home-grown tobacco.
Mongol Champia, son of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir. He is smoking a mammoth ‘bidi’ cheroot that he has just made from a sal leaf and home-grown tobacco.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, taking nits out of her sister Chipiri’s hair. She cracks them to death between her thumb nails.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, taking nits out of her sister Chipiri’s hair. She cracks them to death between her thumb nails.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, clearly having great fun.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, clearly having great fun.
Pelon Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, hard at work transplanting paddy rice.
Pelon Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, hard at work transplanting paddy rice.
A girl from Dubil village carrying a huge and heavy pot of water back from the village stream to her family house for the days water needs; one of the major jobs for the women. Note the straw bundle that protects her head.
A girl from Dubil village carrying a huge and heavy pot of water back from the village stream to her family house for the days water needs; one of the major jobs for the women. Note the straw bundle that protects her head.
A girl from Dubil village, dressed in her best with a flower in her hair, walking to the dancing ground, ‘susun akhara’ for the ‘baa porob’ flower festival. She is looking forward to the day’s festival events and dances.
A girl from Dubil village, dressed in her best with a flower in her hair, walking to the dancing ground, ‘susun akhara’ for the ‘baa porob’ flower festival. She is looking forward to the day’s festival events and dances.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, being teased by a young man while washing her clothes on a flat stones on the banks of the village stream.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, being teased by a young man while washing her clothes on a flat stones on the banks of the village stream.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, is getting ready to go to the dancing ground, ‘susun akhara’. She is clearly looking forward to this annual festival, when she can attract the attention of the young men.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Champia, the paramount headman of Saranda Pir, is getting ready to go to the dancing ground, ‘susun akhara’. She is clearly looking forward to this annual festival, when she can attract the attention of the young men.

Young people

a collection of photos of young people.

Mothers and fathers with babies

Palo Champia, the first of two wives of Bamiya Champia, Dubil village’s paramount headman, ‘manki’, carrying a large pot full of drinking water home with two metal bowls floating on the water and her son’s illegitimate baby, Bamuni, on her hip. A woman’s work is never done.
Palo Champia, the first of two wives of Bamiya Champia, Dubil village’s paramount headman, ‘manki’, carrying a large pot full of drinking water home with two metal bowls floating on the water and her son’s illegitimate baby, Bamuni, on her hip. A woman’s work is never done.
The wife of Dolka Champia, a landless man, who works in the nearby Chiria iron ore mines, at home with her two children. Note the two tiffin carriers on the ground in which Dolka will carry his lunch to the mine face where he works. His youngest son has urinated on the floor and later she will cover it with a slurry of cowdung and mud to keep her room clean.
The wife of Dolka Champia, a landless man, who works in the nearby Chiria iron ore mines, at home with her two children. Note the two tiffin carriers on the ground in which Dolka will carry his lunch to the mine face where he works. His youngest son has urinated on the floor and later she will cover it with a slurry of cowdung and mud to keep her room clean.
A mother suckles her baby while happily talking to her friends.
A mother suckles her baby while happily talking to her friends.
Pelon Champia, wife of Sukuram Champia, younger brother of Bamiya, the Dubil village paramount headman ‘manki’, weaving a palm leaf mat with her youngest son Besera trying to help on her lap.
Pelon Champia, wife of Sukuram Champia, younger brother of Bamiya, the Dubil village paramount headman ‘manki’, weaving a palm leaf mat with her youngest son Besera trying to help on her lap.
Two mothers in Dubil happily chatting and holding hands, while one of them carries her baby. Women’s gossip is what holds the community together.
Two mothers in Dubil happily chatting and holding hands, while one of them carries her baby. Women’s gossip is what holds the community together.
A mother in Dubil village suckling her baby son.
A mother in Dubil village suckling her baby son.
A bright eyed young mother with her baby in a sling happily chatting with her friends. Such endless gossiping binds the village into a culturally intimate community.
A bright eyed young mother with her baby in a sling happily chatting with her friends. Such endless gossiping binds the village into a culturally intimate community.
A mother coming home from the weekly market in the nearby small town of Chhotanagra carrying her baby on her hip as she passes by a field of sugar cane.
A mother coming home from the weekly market in the nearby small town of Chhotanagra carrying her baby on her hip as she passes by a field of sugar cane.
A father showing his daughter how he smoothens a sandstone slab with a granite pebble so he can use it as a grindstone to sharpen the family’s cooking knives. A parent’s role is always to teach their children. The daughter is about to go to the river with her mother and two empty pots to fetch water for the family.
A father showing his daughter how he smoothens a sandstone slab with a granite pebble so he can use it as a grindstone to sharpen the family’s cooking knives. A parent’s role is always to teach their children. The daughter is about to go to the river with her mother and two empty pots to fetch water for the family.
An elderly grandmother of the Uindi blacksmiths clan carrying her granddaughter.
An elderly grandmother of the Uindi blacksmiths clan carrying her granddaughter.
Pelon Champia, wife of Sukuram Chambia, slicing up ‘hereatn bo’ hairy head tubers for dinner. She has collected these tubers from the forest surrounding the village. Hunting a gathering in the forests provides these Ho of the Saranda region with probably a quarter of their diet.
Pelon Champia, wife of Sukuram Chambia, slicing up ‘hereatn bo’ hairy head tubers for dinner. She has collected these tubers from the forest surrounding the village. Hunting a gathering in the forests provides these Ho of the Saranda region with probably a quarter of their diet.
A mother and daughter husking maize cobs.
A mother and daughter husking maize cobs.
Suru Uindi, one of Dubil's blacksmith clan, holding her newborn daughter, Chariba.
Suru Uindi, one of Dubil's blacksmith clan, holding her newborn daughter, Chariba.
A young woman looking after her little sister.
A young woman looking after her little sister.
A mother holding onto her baby daughter.
A mother holding onto her baby daughter.
A mother in Chaibasa market holding her son. Note that as he lives near a large town, she wears shop bought clothes.
A mother in Chaibasa market holding her son. Note that as he lives near a large town, she wears shop bought clothes.
A two year old child suckling its mother.
A two year old child suckling its mother.
A father washing his lungi on the bank of a stream while his cild looks on.
A father washing his lungi on the bank of a stream while his cild looks on.
A father bathing his young child in a nearby stream.
A father bathing his young child in a nearby stream.
Suru Uindi, one of Dubil's blacksmith clan, holding her newborn daughter, Chariba, with her son, Jura, looking on fondly.
Suru Uindi, one of Dubil's blacksmith clan, holding her newborn daughter, Chariba, with her son, Jura, looking on fondly.
A young mother strips the fibres from a pumpkin leaf for a curry, while her daughter suckles her.
A young mother strips the fibres from a pumpkin leaf for a curry, while her daughter suckles her.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Manki, looking after her brother Dule's daughter, Bamuni.
Gurbari Champia, daughter of Bamiya Manki, looking after her brother Dule's daughter, Bamuni.
A non-tribal Bhuiya family living in a small hamlet close to Chhotanagra.
A non-tribal Bhuiya family living in a small hamlet close to Chhotanagra.
A mother and her children from the Uindi blacksmith clan of Dubil, sitting on their verandah with chickens feeding around them – a scene of contented relaxation.
A mother and her children from the Uindi blacksmith clan of Dubil, sitting on their verandah with chickens feeding around them – a scene of contented relaxation.
Sukuram Champia, the owner of our house and his wife Pelon and their youngest son Besera, in the courtyard that separated our houses. They have dressed up especially for this formal photo.
Sukuram Champia, the owner of our house and his wife Pelon and their youngest son Besera, in the courtyard that separated our houses. They have dressed up especially for this formal photo.
Michael Yorke and Salome Herenz. To my right is Mongol, son of Bamiya Champia. He fetched our water and collected our firewood. Beside him is Bisu, Sukuram’s eldest son. In front from left to right are Lal, Basu, & Chipiri. One night Valerie said that if we had a child we would call her Chipiri. Next day her father, Bamiya, said that made Valerie his third wife and I was his youngest brother, who would inherit Valerie. So we became locked into a kin group.
Michael Yorke and Salome Herenz. To my right is Mongol, son of Bamiya Champia. He fetched our water and collected our firewood. Beside him is Bisu, Sukuram’s eldest son. In front from left to right are Lal, Basu, & Chipiri. One night Valerie said that if we had a child we would call her Chipiri. Next day her father, Bamiya, said that made Valerie his third wife and I was his youngest brother, who would inherit Valerie. So we became locked into a kin group.
Sukuram Champia’s family in the courtyard between our houses. From left to right, Bisu, Sukuram, Bamiya, Selai, Valerie Yorke, Lal, Pelon holding Besera, Basu, Michael Yorke, and Salome Herenz, our Munda interpreter and researcher from Khunti village.
Sukuram Champia’s family in the courtyard between our houses. From left to right, Bisu, Sukuram, Bamiya, Selai, Valerie Yorke, Lal, Pelon holding Besera, Basu, Michael Yorke, and Salome Herenz, our Munda interpreter and researcher from Khunti village.
Sukuram Champia’s family. He was our landlord and we shared the same courtyard. From left to right, Bisu, Bamiya, Selai, Lal, the mother Pelon, Besera and Basu, all dressed in their best clothes for this formal photo. They owned our house and were our immediate neighbours.
Sukuram Champia’s family. He was our landlord and we shared the same courtyard. From left to right, Bisu, Bamiya, Selai, Lal, the mother Pelon, Besera and Basu, all dressed in their best clothes for this formal photo. They owned our house and were our immediate neighbours.

Family groups

Children & Chipiri

Photos of children with many of Chipiri, a young girl, who became a very close friend. One night Valerie said that if we had a child we would call her Chipiri. Next day her father, Bamiya, said that made Valerie his third wife and I was his youngest brother, who would inherit Valerie. This locked us into a fictive Kinship relationship.

Bhagun Champia, younger brother of Bamiya Champia, the Manki, bathing his daughter Jabona in the small river running through Dubil village. Cleanliness is an important aspect of life especially in the ever present risk of scabies and other skin infections.
Bhagun Champia, younger brother of Bamiya Champia, the Manki, bathing his daughter Jabona in the small river running through Dubil village. Cleanliness is an important aspect of life especially in the ever present risk of scabies and other skin infections.
The children of Ponde Kimbo, a close neighbour in our hamlet of Marang Toli, on the family string cot, enjoying the day together while their parents are away working.
The children of Ponde Kimbo, a close neighbour in our hamlet of Marang Toli, on the family string cot, enjoying the day together while their parents are away working.
Lal, the son of our neighbour Sukuram Chamia, relaxing against a fence pole. On the ground behind him his mother has been weaving a head basket out of sticks and split bamboo. The Ho tribals are skilled craftspeople making most things that they need.
Lal, the son of our neighbour Sukuram Chamia, relaxing against a fence pole. On the ground behind him his mother has been weaving a head basket out of sticks and split bamboo. The Ho tribals are skilled craftspeople making most things that they need.
Selai, son of Sukuram Champia, who lived beside us, setting off in the monsoon rains with a ‘rung patta’ creeper leaf rain hat to herd the family cattle and goats in the forest for the day.
Selai, son of Sukuram Champia, who lived beside us, setting off in the monsoon rains with a ‘rung patta’ creeper leaf rain hat to herd the family cattle and goats in the forest for the day.
Lal, the third son of Sukuram Champia, at the age of about six is already proficient at mending a torn blanket, a skill learnt from his parents.
Lal, the third son of Sukuram Champia, at the age of about six is already proficient at mending a torn blanket, a skill learnt from his parents.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. Chipiri is taking a break while gathering fruits in the forest around her village.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. Chipiri is taking a break while gathering fruits in the forest around her village.
A young Ho girl with a cane resting while looking after her family’s grazing cattle and goats.
A young Ho girl with a cane resting while looking after her family’s grazing cattle and goats.
A young Ho boy resting while guarding his family’s grazing cattle.
A young Ho boy resting while guarding his family’s grazing cattle.
A young Ho girl eating a cob of roasted maize.
A young Ho girl eating a cob of roasted maize.
Selai Champia, son of Sukuram Champia with a simple loincloth and a winnowing fan on his head.
Selai Champia, son of Sukuram Champia with a simple loincloth and a winnowing fan on his head.
Chipiri, daughter of Bamiya Champia, climbing a tree to get fruit. Her father’s youngest brother’s daughter, Nanika, is already eating one below her.
Chipiri, daughter of Bamiya Champia, climbing a tree to get fruit. Her father’s youngest brother’s daughter, Nanika, is already eating one below her.
Chipiri, daughter of Bamiya Champia, climbing a tree to get fruit.
Chipiri, daughter of Bamiya Champia, climbing a tree to get fruit.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of Bamiya Manki. She became our adopted daughter. This made my wife, Valerie, Bamiya Manki’s third wife and I became his fictive younger brother. Hence we became kin of the paramount headman, who was our neighbour and allowed us to settle in his village called Dubil.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of Bamiya Manki. She became our adopted daughter. This made my wife, Valerie, Bamiya Manki’s third wife and I became his fictive younger brother. Hence we became kin of the paramount headman, who was our neighbour and allowed us to settle in his village called Dubil.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is returning 'mahua' flowers, called ‘matkom’, into their basket after they have been drying in the sun. They will either be eaten as a soup or more likely be allowed to ferment and distilled into an alcoholic liquor.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is returning 'mahua' flowers, called ‘matkom’, into their basket after they have been drying in the sun. They will either be eaten as a soup or more likely be allowed to ferment and distilled into an alcoholic liquor.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She carries a young goat while watching her father’s rice harvest drying the sun. If she does not guard it the chickens or wild parrots will eat the rice grains.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She carries a young goat while watching her father’s rice harvest drying the sun. If she does not guard it the chickens or wild parrots will eat the rice grains.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She always loved playing with baby goats.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She always loved playing with baby goats.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is picking pumpkin flowers that will be eaten in a curry. She is holding them over a large unripe pumpkin that will be dried and turned into a useful gourd.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is picking pumpkin flowers that will be eaten in a curry. She is holding them over a large unripe pumpkin that will be dried and turned into a useful gourd.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is walking home with her half sister, Pelon, after collecting fruits from the forest surrounding Dubil.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is walking home with her half sister, Pelon, after collecting fruits from the forest surrounding Dubil.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is combing her hair after recently washing it.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is combing her hair after recently washing it.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is collecting fruits from the forest surrounding Dubil and carrying them in a basket on her head.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is collecting fruits from the forest surrounding Dubil and carrying them in a basket on her head.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is using a long bamboo pole to pick pumpkin flowers.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is using a long bamboo pole to pick pumpkin flowers.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is spreading out her father’s recently harvested rice on a palm leaf mat to dry in the sun, while she tolerates a baby goat eating some that is in the basket..
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is spreading out her father’s recently harvested rice on a palm leaf mat to dry in the sun, while she tolerates a baby goat eating some that is in the basket..
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is combing her hair after recently washing it.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki. She is combing her hair after recently washing it.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, weaving a section of a palm leaf mat.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, weaving a section of a palm leaf mat.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, sorting and cleaning pumpkin flowers to cook them for the evening meal.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, sorting and cleaning pumpkin flowers to cook them for the evening meal.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki and her elder sister Gurbari removing ticks from a sheet.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki and her elder sister Gurbari removing ticks from a sheet.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, has caught and is playing with a dragon fly.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, has caught and is playing with a dragon fly.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, happy in a field of mustard flowers. Their seeds are pressed and used for making mustard oil for cooking.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, happy in a field of mustard flowers. Their seeds are pressed and used for making mustard oil for cooking.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, out gathering fruits and berries in the forest around her home. The rolled up pad on her head is to cushion the weight of a full basket of fruits that she will carry home.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, out gathering fruits and berries in the forest around her home. The rolled up pad on her head is to cushion the weight of a full basket of fruits that she will carry home.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, on her way to the spring to collect a pot full of water for her household. For a small girl this will be a huge weight on her head.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, on her way to the spring to collect a pot full of water for her household. For a small girl this will be a huge weight on her head.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, very happy among the flowers of the family’s mustard crop. When ripe the seeds will be pressed to produce mustard oil for cooking.
Chipiri, the youngest daughter of Menjo Champia, second wife of the paramount headman, Bamiya Manki, very happy among the flowers of the family’s mustard crop. When ripe the seeds will be pressed to produce mustard oil for cooking.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, showing off two unripe baby mangoes. Their sour taste is very good if you are thirsty and need refreshing.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, showing off two unripe baby mangoes. Their sour taste is very good if you are thirsty and need refreshing.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, looking thoughtful as he leans on a stick.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, looking thoughtful as he leans on a stick.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, like all young boys he loves a good wrestle and why not with the horns of a young goat.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, like all young boys he loves a good wrestle and why not with the horns of a young goat.
Basu, the son of Sukuram Champia, carrying a gourd while out fishing to take his catch home for dinner.
Basu, the son of Sukuram Champia, carrying a gourd while out fishing to take his catch home for dinner.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, holding up a field rat that he has just shot with his bow and arrow. Roasted it makes a tasty snack..
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, holding up a field rat that he has just shot with his bow and arrow. Roasted it makes a tasty snack..
Besera, the son of Sukuram Champia. In the absence of toys, why not play with a young chicken.
Besera, the son of Sukuram Champia. In the absence of toys, why not play with a young chicken.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, and his younger brother Besera playing with a baby chick on a string. In the absence of any plastic toys, animals keep them entertained and in touch with nature.
Lal, the son of Sukuram Champia, and his younger brother Besera playing with a baby chick on a string. In the absence of any plastic toys, animals keep them entertained and in touch with nature.
A young girl shares her meal of rice with Besera, the son of Sukuram Champia, who is too young to eat it with his hand – such generosity among an undernourished people.
A young girl shares her meal of rice with Besera, the son of Sukuram Champia, who is too young to eat it with his hand – such generosity among an undernourished people.
Children are very good at looking after each other. Here a young girl hugs her neighbour’s young son called Besera, the son of Sukuram Champia.
Children are very good at looking after each other. Here a young girl hugs her neighbour’s young son called Besera, the son of Sukuram Champia.
Lal, the fourth son of Sukuram Champia, is teaching his younger brother Basu how the catch fish with a bow and arrow. This requires great skill. Due to the refraction of the water you have to aim just below the fish in order to hit it. Boys’ great passion is to be as good as their parents at hunting skills.
Lal, the fourth son of Sukuram Champia, is teaching his younger brother Basu how the catch fish with a bow and arrow. This requires great skill. Due to the refraction of the water you have to aim just below the fish in order to hit it. Boys’ great passion is to be as good as their parents at hunting skills.
Chipiri proudly pointing out to other children the press cutting of Princess Anne and Mark Philips' wedding photo that my mother-in-law sent us and which we pinned to the wall of our house.
Chipiri proudly pointing out to other children the press cutting of Princess Anne and Mark Philips' wedding photo that my mother-in-law sent us and which we pinned to the wall of our house.
A young boy snacking on some channa that he has picked from a field. Children scavenge for supplements to their otherwise meagre diet.
A young boy snacking on some channa that he has picked from a field. Children scavenge for supplements to their otherwise meagre diet.
A young boy thinking about what else he wants to eat. Hunger is their perpetual concern.
A young boy thinking about what else he wants to eat. Hunger is their perpetual concern.
Bisu, the eldest son of Sukuram Champia, our immediate neighbour, returning home with his share from a fishing trip. .
Bisu, the eldest son of Sukuram Champia, our immediate neighbour, returning home with his share from a fishing trip. .
The head is always a useful way to carry things.
The head is always a useful way to carry things.
Given that the Ho are inveterate hunters and gatherers, this girl has been scavenging and is eating some ripe 'channa', pulses, while passing a field. Any opportunity to supplement her meagre diet is welcome.
Given that the Ho are inveterate hunters and gatherers, this girl has been scavenging and is eating some ripe 'channa', pulses, while passing a field. Any opportunity to supplement her meagre diet is welcome.
Besera, the youngest son of Sukuram Champia, our immediate neighbour, thinking of eating a young loofah fruit, while urinating on the threshold of his home.
Besera, the youngest son of Sukuram Champia, our immediate neighbour, thinking of eating a young loofah fruit, while urinating on the threshold of his home.
Bamiya, son of Sukuram Champia, who lived beside us, peeling a ‘heriatn bo’, a hairy head tuber that his mother has collected in the forest. Hunting and gathering forms at least a quarter of their diet.
Bamiya, son of Sukuram Champia, who lived beside us, peeling a ‘heriatn bo’, a hairy head tuber that his mother has collected in the forest. Hunting and gathering forms at least a quarter of their diet.
This young boy has a small pair of tweezers on his necklace – a vital tool from removing thorns when running around in bare feet, because your family cannot afford a pair of flip-flop sandals.
This young boy has a small pair of tweezers on his necklace – a vital tool from removing thorns when running around in bare feet, because your family cannot afford a pair of flip-flop sandals.
Lal, son of Sukuram Champia, our neighbour, breaking open a rotten log hoping to find a caterpillar grub inside it. Children are proficient scavengers and gatherers of dietary supplements and are always hungry.
Lal, son of Sukuram Champia, our neighbour, breaking open a rotten log hoping to find a caterpillar grub inside it. Children are proficient scavengers and gatherers of dietary supplements and are always hungry.
Biru, son of Ruida Champia our neighbour, standing on the threshold of his home. Notice that hanging from his necklace is a ‘sipiting’, literally a ‘sowing thing’ a safety pin. It is useful for removing thorns in his feet. His family cannot afford to give him flip-flop sandals.
Biru, son of Ruida Champia our neighbour, standing on the threshold of his home. Notice that hanging from his necklace is a ‘sipiting’, literally a ‘sowing thing’ a safety pin. It is useful for removing thorns in his feet. His family cannot afford to give him flip-flop sandals.
Chipiri has just washed her hair, using a fine white clay soil like fuller’s earth. It has the useful property of absorbing hair sebaceous grease and entrapping lice. She is letting it dry before washing it out and leaving her silky. Her family cannot afford to buy soap. However they are expert at using the natural resources.
Chipiri has just washed her hair, using a fine white clay soil like fuller’s earth. It has the useful property of absorbing hair sebaceous grease and entrapping lice. She is letting it dry before washing it out and leaving her silky. Her family cannot afford to buy soap. However they are expert at using the natural resources.
A young girl rests against an upturned ‘charpoy’, string cot. At her feet are two homemade baskets that she will take to the forest to collect wild fruits and roots. Note her minimal clothing – a simple loincloth. This photo stresses the economic level of the forest dwelling Ho, even though the forests provide them with a relatively good diet.
A young girl rests against an upturned ‘charpoy’, string cot. At her feet are two homemade baskets that she will take to the forest to collect wild fruits and roots. Note her minimal clothing – a simple loincloth. This photo stresses the economic level of the forest dwelling Ho, even though the forests provide them with a relatively good diet.
Val, my partner, in our doorway, with Chipiri on her lap. She is the second daughter of Bamiya Champia Manki’s second wife, Menjo. She too has a ‘sipiting’, sowing thing, safety pin that we gave her. She uses it to remove thorns from her feet as she has no plastic flip-flop sandals.
Val, my partner, in our doorway, with Chipiri on her lap. She is the second daughter of Bamiya Champia Manki’s second wife, Menjo. She too has a ‘sipiting’, sowing thing, safety pin that we gave her. She uses it to remove thorns from her feet as she has no plastic flip-flop sandals.
Selai, Sukuram Champia's son, wiping dust from his eye after his father has woven a collecting basket from slats of bamboo.
Selai, Sukuram Champia's son, wiping dust from his eye after his father has woven a collecting basket from slats of bamboo.
A daughter of the Uindi family sitting on our cot. The Uindi clan are Ho blacksmiths living in Dubil. She has a scar from her smallpox vaccination. When a government officer came, everyone was terrified of being vaccinated until we explained what it was and allowed ourselves to be vaccinated.
A daughter of the Uindi family sitting on our cot. The Uindi clan are Ho blacksmiths living in Dubil. She has a scar from her smallpox vaccination. When a government officer came, everyone was terrified of being vaccinated until we explained what it was and allowed ourselves to be vaccinated.
Lal, the son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, looking after his youngest brother Besera. Children are very good at caring for each other and build very close family bonds.
Lal, the son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, looking after his youngest brother Besera. Children are very good at caring for each other and build very close family bonds.
Lal, the son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, fishing in a nearby stream. Ho children rapidly develop their parent’s hunting skills to supplement their inadequate diet. This keeps them remarkably healthy despite the minimal government welfare and health facilities.
Lal, the son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, fishing in a nearby stream. Ho children rapidly develop their parent’s hunting skills to supplement their inadequate diet. This keeps them remarkably healthy despite the minimal government welfare and health facilities.
These two boys have just started a fire by rubbing two sticks together. They are about to roast a field rat that they have caught with their bow and arrow. Children are expert hunters to supplement their meagre diet.
These two boys have just started a fire by rubbing two sticks together. They are about to roast a field rat that they have caught with their bow and arrow. Children are expert hunters to supplement their meagre diet.
Selai, the third son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, starting to weave a palm leaf mat with his baby brother Besera beside him picking up his brother’s skills.
Selai, the third son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, starting to weave a palm leaf mat with his baby brother Besera beside him picking up his brother’s skills.
Selai, the third son of Sukuram Champia, chewing a sugar cane stalk – a very special treat, while his younger brother Basu heads off in the creeper leaf (rung patta) rain hat to graze the family livestock.
Selai, the third son of Sukuram Champia, chewing a sugar cane stalk – a very special treat, while his younger brother Basu heads off in the creeper leaf (rung patta) rain hat to graze the family livestock.
Selai, eldest son of Sukuram Champia, ready to go off hunting with his bow and arrow as his youngest brother Besera clings on to him. The Ho are inveterate hunters. Note the pet parrot by his head.
Selai, eldest son of Sukuram Champia, ready to go off hunting with his bow and arrow as his youngest brother Besera clings on to him. The Ho are inveterate hunters. Note the pet parrot by his head.
Chipiri, who spent so much time with us and became fictive daughter while in fact being the second daughter of Bamiya Champia Manki’s second wife Menjo. Here she is eating a fruit she has collected in the jungle.
Chipiri, who spent so much time with us and became fictive daughter while in fact being the second daughter of Bamiya Champia Manki’s second wife Menjo. Here she is eating a fruit she has collected in the jungle.
Chipiri always a happy and delightful girl
Chipiri always a happy and delightful girl
Chipiri combing her hair after washing it.
Chipiri combing her hair after washing it.
A group of children keeping an eye on their family’s grazing cattle, making sure that they do not eat another person’s crops. Note how ragged their clothing is.
A group of children keeping an eye on their family’s grazing cattle, making sure that they do not eat another person’s crops. Note how ragged their clothing is.
Nanika, daughter of Basu Champia, carrying jackfruit on her head.
Nanika, daughter of Basu Champia, carrying jackfruit on her head.
Young girl pretending to be a grown up with a large water pot directly on her head with no head-pad, far too heavy to carry, if full, without a pad to protect her skull.
Young girl pretending to be a grown up with a large water pot directly on her head with no head-pad, far too heavy to carry, if full, without a pad to protect her skull.
Nanika, daughter of Basu Champia perching on a fence pole.
Nanika, daughter of Basu Champia perching on a fence pole.
A young girl looking after her baby brother with a beamingly happy smile.
A young girl looking after her baby brother with a beamingly happy smile.
Nanika with carrying a jackfruit. Its flesh will be boiled to make a curry.
Nanika with carrying a jackfruit. Its flesh will be boiled to make a curry.
Nanika, Jabona, Lal and Besera, all children of the same clan and hamlet, outside the door of our house.
Nanika, Jabona, Lal and Besera, all children of the same clan and hamlet, outside the door of our house.
Nanika, Lal and Besera, all children of the same clan and hamlet, but not the same parents, playing in the dust together.
Nanika, Lal and Besera, all children of the same clan and hamlet, but not the same parents, playing in the dust together.
Chipiri finally parting her hair after washing and drying it.
Chipiri finally parting her hair after washing and drying it.
Gurbari, two children and a dog taking it easy in the heat of the day.
Gurbari, two children and a dog taking it easy in the heat of the day.
Besangi, the daughter of Rupa Champia, great, great grandson of the village founding father and now the ‘diuri’, village priest, carrying Lokon, her younger brother. She sits on a pile of palm leaf mats with a roll of woven palm leaves beside her which will be stitches into another mat. Beside her is a yoke for a pair of plough bullocks and a halter pole.
Besangi, the daughter of Rupa Champia, great, great grandson of the village founding father and now the ‘diuri’, village priest, carrying Lokon, her younger brother. She sits on a pile of palm leaf mats with a roll of woven palm leaves beside her which will be stitches into another mat. Beside her is a yoke for a pair of plough bullocks and a halter pole.
The soulful granddaughter of Jintu Champia, the deceased village priest, the ‘diuri’, during his cremation.
The soulful granddaughter of Jintu Champia, the deceased village priest, the ‘diuri’, during his cremation.
Selai, the son of Sukuram Champia our neighbour, armed with a child sized bow and arrows, one with a club head for stunning small birds. It is not long before boys become excellent hunters and good shots.
Selai, the son of Sukuram Champia our neighbour, armed with a child sized bow and arrows, one with a club head for stunning small birds. It is not long before boys become excellent hunters and good shots.
Selai, the son of Sukuram Champia, our neighbour, and Lal, his brother, heading off hunting with a small childish bow and arrow. It is not long before boys soon become excellent hunters and good shots mainly killing rats, mice and small birds.
Selai, the son of Sukuram Champia, our neighbour, and Lal, his brother, heading off hunting with a small childish bow and arrow. It is not long before boys soon become excellent hunters and good shots mainly killing rats, mice and small birds.
Michael Yorke, the anthropologist and author, keeping cool in the summer heat, with his neighbouring children, on his blow up lilo in the river below his house. The other children are playing with his partner, Valerie’s, lilo.
Michael Yorke, the anthropologist and author, keeping cool in the summer heat, with his neighbouring children, on his blow up lilo in the river below his house. The other children are playing with his partner, Valerie’s, lilo.
Nanika Champia keeping cool in the summer heat when it was 33 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade.
Nanika Champia keeping cool in the summer heat when it was 33 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade.
Neighbouring children keeping cool in the summer heat on my blow up lilo, when it was 33 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade.
Neighbouring children keeping cool in the summer heat on my blow up lilo, when it was 33 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade.
Selai, son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, in a soulful mood.
Selai, son of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, in a soulful mood.
Selai and his younger brother Besera, the children of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, laughing together on my string cot.
Selai and his younger brother Besera, the children of our neighbour Sukuram Champia, laughing together on my string cot.
Selai looking affectionately at his yonger brother Besera, the children of our neighbour Sukuram Champia.
Selai looking affectionately at his yonger brother Besera, the children of our neighbour Sukuram Champia.
Playing the hand game, paper, scissors, stone.
Playing the hand game, paper, scissors, stone.
Selai Champia smiling to camera.
Selai Champia smiling to camera.
Jabona whittling a stick.
Jabona whittling a stick.
Jabona with a handful of plums that she has collected from the forest.
Jabona with a handful of plums that she has collected from the forest.
Dule Champia’s child Bamuni after being given a bath.
Dule Champia’s child Bamuni after being given a bath.
Chipiri and Gurbari washing their brother Dule Champia’s baby, Bamuni, by the river.
Chipiri and Gurbari washing their brother Dule Champia’s baby, Bamuni, by the river.
Besera Champia exhausted and asleep in the dust of our courtyard.
Besera Champia exhausted and asleep in the dust of our courtyard.
Besera showing me two silk cocoons, ‘lumaam’, that his father has cultivated. They will use strips of the cocoon to strap heads and flights onto their arrows. Also they will sell them to local traders.
Besera showing me two silk cocoons, ‘lumaam’, that his father has cultivated. They will use strips of the cocoon to strap heads and flights onto their arrows. Also they will sell them to local traders.
Lal Champia playing with his younger brother Besera in the courtyard between his house and ours.
Lal Champia playing with his younger brother Besera in the courtyard between his house and ours.
Lal Champia with his younger brother Besera in the courtyard between his house and ours.
Lal Champia with his younger brother Besera in the courtyard between his house and ours.
A warm and friendly portrait of Chipiri Champia.
A warm and friendly portrait of Chipiri Champia.
Chipiri Champia leaning on the fence around her courtyard.
Chipiri Champia leaning on the fence around her courtyard.
Young girls enjoying the weekly market while their parents shop for new pots to replace their fragile broken one.
Young girls enjoying the weekly market while their parents shop for new pots to replace their fragile broken one.
A young girl guarding the wild silkworms, ‘lumaam’, growing in an ‘asan’ tree grove. The long stick is for bashing the trees to frighten any birds, who come to eat the caterpillars that only feed off ‘asan’ leaves.
A young girl guarding the wild silkworms, ‘lumaam’, growing in an ‘asan’ tree grove. The long stick is for bashing the trees to frighten any birds, who come to eat the caterpillars that only feed off ‘asan’ leaves.
Suru Uindi, one of Dubil's blacksmith clan, holding her newborn daughter, Chariba, with her son, Jura, looking on fondly.
Suru Uindi, one of Dubil's blacksmith clan, holding her newborn daughter, Chariba, with her son, Jura, looking on fondly.
Palo Champia’s granddaughter, Bamuni, looking sick and uncared for. Dule, her father, has left the village to do wage labour.
Palo Champia’s granddaughter, Bamuni, looking sick and uncared for. Dule, her father, has left the village to do wage labour.

Babies

Mothers and their babies.

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