Perceptions of Nyibu (Shaman) Among the Galo: Symbolic Respect and Functional Decline

The Nyibu, the ritual specialist within the Galo indigenous belief system of Arunachal Pradesh, has historically played a central role in mediating between the human and spiritual realms through healing, divination, and ritual practice. This study examines contemporary perceptions of the Nyibu in the context of ongoing socio-cultural transformation. It forms part of a broader doctoral research project, drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted between April and June 2024, supplemented by continued engagement with the community.

The findings reveal a clear pattern of symbolic respect alongside declining functional reliance. While a substantial majority of respondents continue to regard the Nyibu as culturally important and relevant, a much smaller proportion report active engagement, indicating a gap between recognition and practice.

Engagement with the Nyibu has become conditional and context-dependent. Respondents increasingly rely on alternative systems such as biomedical healthcare and institutional religious practices, while consulting the Nyibu in specific situations, particularly where issues are perceived to lie beyond the scope of modern interventions. Patterns of belief also reflect transformation, ranging from strong adherence to conditional acceptance and skepticism, suggesting a shift from collectively sustained certainty to individually negotiated understandings.

The study identifies multiple contributing factors, including generational change, modern education, urbanization, economic constraints, and religious plurality. It argues that the Nyibu is undergoing a process of functional decline while retaining strong symbolic value. This transformation is further shaped by shifting religious identities, institutional developments within Donyi-Poloism, and tensions associated with the expansion of Christianity, reflecting broader changes in authority and cultural negotiation within contemporary Galo society.