Ran-thok and Ling-chhom: indigenous grinding stones of Shertukpen tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Shertukpens are an Indigenous tribal group inhabiting the western and southern parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. They are accomplished carvers of carving wood and stone. This paper reports on the use of traditional grinding stone implements, ran-thok (grinding stone) and ling-chhom (nutting stone) for the grinding and nutting of grains, fruits, rhizomes, and other food products. These grinding implements are examples of endangered material culture, the use of which may produce better quality flour from both nutritional and gustatory perspectives.