Meghalaya Khasi Couple Notebook

The Indian state of Meghalaya is home to some of the earliest ethnic settlers to inhabit the subcontinent. Known as the Khasi tribe, they trace their origins back to the Proto-Austroloid Mon Khmer race. Distinct in appearance and living habits, Khasi society is both matrilineal and matriarchal. Rice is a food staple and authentic Khasi cuisine has a plethora of unique ways of cooking meats that include pork and fish. Like other tribes ethnic to this region, Khasis also make beer from rice and millet through fermentation and distillation. Jymphong, the traditional Khasi attire for men consists of a longish sleeveless coat without a collar, fastened in the front by thongs. On ceremonial occasions, the ensemble is completed with a sarong-style Dhoti worn with an ornamental waist-band. Present day Khasi women still wear their traditional costume called the Jainsem. Created by knotting or fastening two pieces of fabric at the shoulders to create a long drapey garment, it is often embellished by hand. On ceremonial occasions, they wear a crown of silver or gold. A peak or spike is fixed to the back of the crown, corresponding to the feathers worn by the menfolk of the tribe.