(Last Updated on : 24/10/2009)
Jatapu tribes are the inhabitants of central India and apart from Orissa, some of these groups are settled in several districts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The history of Jatapu tribal people is still not known. The language of this tribal people is called Jatapu but most of the people of this tribal community use Telegu language. Some are also well conversant in Oriya language as well. Even the Jatapu tribes can speak in various Oriya dialects.
Jatapu tribal people are basically agrarian people but some are also engaged as forest labourers, collecting and selling forest products. They grow chilies, peas, beans etc in their field. Their staple food is rice. Some earn their livelihood by selling products of pottery and other artifacts. People of this tribal community prepare baskets, earthen pots, bangles etc for their economic betterment.
The society of the Jatapu tribal community is patrilineal and the women engage themselves in household works. The houses of the tribal community are made of mud and the roofs are thatched. Some of them have possessions of cattle. Marriages are considered as a social custom and marriage in the same clan is strictly prohibited.
The culture of these Jatapu tribes too is based on several elements of dance, music, folklores and social customs and beliefs. Jatapu tribal community is basically the followers of Hindu religion. They worship a number of gods and goddesses. Jakeramma is said to be their native god and sometimes animal sacrifices are also made to conciliate the god. The Jatapu people, especially the women are very fond of ornaments and these ornaments play a major part of their costumes. They do their hair ornamentation with black tassels and also wear bangle, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and nose rings.
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