Shaman Rai -PARUSEWA MUNDUM PERFORMANCE 2011-8-11 AD

SILI IN PARUSEWA MUNDUM PERFORMANCE The enactment of animals in Parusewa Mundum represents a significant aspect of ritual performance among the Kirati communities. Through these enactments, ritual specialists, or Mangpas, embody the characteristics and behaviours of specific animals, establishing a symbolic connection between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm. Each animal enactment is not merely mimicry but a performative ritual that conveys cosmological narratives, moral values, and spiritual devotion. Additionally, these performances engage audiences by integrating elements of dance, rhythm, and visual symbolism, creating a dynamic interplay between ritual efficacy and theatrical aesthetics. 1. Acting of Tangtupmi SIli The Tangtupmi Sili is an enactment of a small bird with a long tail and distinctive white-and-black coloring on its head and tail. This bird typically inhabits rivers and is considered a close companion of Sumnima (Puma, 1989). During the performance, the Mangpa positions the right hand, holding the Saksangbung and Hakmabung, above the head, while the left hand, similarly equipped, is placed near the back hip. The Mangpa then moves in a manner that reflects the delicate, rhythmic flight and behavior of the Tangtupmi, continuing until the ritual satisfies the deity. Symbolically, the Tangtupmi embodies attentiveness, spiritual devotion, and harmonious interaction with nature. The enactment combines ritual significance with performative elements, offering the audience both an instructive and visually engaging experience (Parusewa Performance, 2011). 2. Bubulibuwasha SIli The Bubulibuwasha Sili is an enactment of the anteater, an animal with a long tail that inhabits the jungle and feeds on ants (Puma, 1987). In this performance, the Mangpa places both hands, holding the Saksangbung and Hakmabung, below the shoulders and moves in a manner that mimics the anteater’s characteristic foraging behavior. The ritual continues until the deity’s satisfaction is attained. This enactment conveys themes of diligence, patience, and a harmonious relationship with the natural environment. By imitating the anteater, the Mangpa performs a meditative and symbolic connection with the natural and spiritual worlds, while simultaneously providing a lively and engaging spectacle for the audience. 3. Significance of Animal Enactments Animal enactments in Parusewa Mundum serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they reinforce spiritual communication, allowing the Mangpa to embody beings considered sacred or spiritually significant. Secondly, these enactments transmit ethical and cosmological teachings, illustrating values such as devotion, attentiveness, diligence, and harmony with nature. Finally, they function as performative art, merging ritual precision with elements of dance, rhythm, and visual storytelling. Collectively, the enactment of animals highlights the interplay between ritual, performance, and audience engagement, exemplifying the rich performative traditions of the Kirati communities.