No. 9 (2009): Influence of the Evil Figure, Tisso Jonding on the Socio-religio-cultural Life of Karbis - By Robindra Teron
Tisso Jonding is one of the most feared evil figures among Karbis. Karbi traditional drummers called Dohuidi consider Tisso as their kuru (teacher) and always offer hor (rice beer) and seek their blessings before they take part in any ritual. In the past, Tisso even came down the hills and helped Karbis during their socio-religio-cultural occasions such as Chojun, Chomkan and other important occasions. However, all Tisso return to their habitat (i.e., forests) at dawn and this specific period is popularly referred as Tisso Rongdam (rong: village; dam: to return). The tradition of guarding dead bodies among Karbis is inherited from Tisso, who in the past were reported to feed on the corpse. Origin of Tisso subclan of Karbis is inherently associated with Tisso. Hanso ke-et (Zingiber casumunar Roxb.; Zingiberaceae) is taboo to Tisso and touching the plant is reported to make them unholy forever, lose divinity and become excommunicated from the grand Tisso family.