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Sangtam house carving. House carvings are very rare and are in the main influenced by Aos. In Phire Ahire Chambesi is a young interpreter (21). He was married to a Sangtam girl who was educated near the Ao village of Changki. In 1947 he erected a great panel across the porch carved with pairs of hornbills in the centre, and 2 human heads, and painted with figures of daos, spades, pipes, spears and mithan. Although so young Chambise has performed a mithan sacrifice and has also gained full warriors' status by getting 2 heads on the Sampurr expedition. The pipe is an index to status - only those who have completed the feast can smoke a metal pipe - others must content themselves with wood or bamboo. |
