Tribal Cultural Museum, Hill Tracts, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Located in Rangamati, the Tribal Cultural Museum in the Hill Tracts of Bangladesh offers fascinating insight into the history and cultural traditions, as well as socio-economic aspects of the different tribes in the area. Visitors can view displays of tribal dress, ornaments, musical instruments, coins and handicrafts at the museum. Paintings depicting the many facets of tribal life are also on display, as well as a collection of statues made from various metals and wood.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts in south-eastern Bangladesh is divided into the Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban districts and is home to a number of the country’s tribal groups. Collectively referred to as the Jumma, these tribal groups include the Marma, Tripura, Chakma, Tenchungya, Chak, Pankho, Mru, Bawm, Pankho, Murung, Lushai, Khumi and Khyang tribes. The Tribal Cultural Institute was established in Rangamati in 1978, with the aim of, not only preserving, but promoting and developing tribal cultures of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. The Tribal Cultural Museum forms an integral part of this project, which includes research into the customs, rituals, beliefs, languages, literature and practices of the various tribal groups. The Tribal Cultural Institute organizes tribal language courses for government officials serving the community, and hosts cultural festivals, art exhibitions, music and literary events highlighting the value of the traditional tribes of Bangladesh.