On huge river island in India’s Assam, annual floods threaten tribal arts
Summary
Makon Kumar, a potter from the Kumar community in Assam, India, creates pottery using traditional methods without machinery. Her community faces challenges due to flooding in their home on Majuli Island and restrictions on clay extraction, which affect their pottery business.Key Facts
- Makon Kumar uses her toes to spin pottery, following a practice passed down by her ancestors.
- The Kumar community consists of about 540 people on Majuli Island, known for their pottery since the 16th century.
- Majuli Island has significantly shrunk due to erosion and flooding, reducing from 1,300 square kilometers to 483 square kilometers in a century.
- Flooding during the monsoon season disrupts the Kumar community's pottery work and leads to temporary displacement.
- The Brahmaputra Board's river embankments prevent traditional clay extraction, affecting the Kumars' access to clay.
- The board offers alternative clay sources through designated pits or boreholes, but it's unclear how many Kumars have applied.
- Pottery sales improve in November when tourists visit Majuli Island, providing some financial relief for the community.
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