Models of a Birhor family at the state museum in Ranchi. Picture by M. Ganguly

Ranchi, Nov. 25: Primitive tribes have always fascinated many among us. Their way of living and their source of livelihood have drawn historians and the laymen alike.

To put an end to curiosity, the authorities of the Tribal Research Institute in Ranchi has opened a new museum to showcase the lives of all the 32 tribes, including eight primitive tribes, inhabiting the state. The models will be on display in different glass chambers.

On November 15 this year, the 8th Foundation Day of the state, chief minister Shibu Soren inaugurated the museum. Till now, only a section of the museum is complete that boast 11 such chambers.

In one of the chambers, a Birhor family is shown living in kumba, a hut made of twigs and leaves. They are shown making ropes.

Models of Munda, Birja, Lohra and Korwa tribes also find place at the museum.

In another chamber, some Asurs, the ancient metallurgists, are seen melting iron over a fire. Made through diorama technique, these chambers give a three-dimensional effect and depict true life of the tribals.

The model doors, pillars, railings, walls and ceilings reminds one of the varied tribal culture. The pillars resemble tree trunks, walls have cow dung cakes on them, and thatched houses have gourds hanging from the roof. Dogs, goats and hens are seen in the courtyard to complete the tribal picture.

“I tried to recreate the life of tribes in a hamlet,” said Amitava Mukherjee, the sculptor who has been entrusted with the job.

Trained in sculpture at Government Art College, Calcutta, Mukherjee has been making statues for the past 15 years now.

He was associated with creation of Nakshatra Van, a tourist destination in Ranchi, and Nature Interpretation Centre at Betla Tiger Reserve.

Apart from the chambers, there are photographs, data on tribal population, art and artifacts, musical instruments backed up with video projection and power point presentations of tribal life.