Amaibi in Manipur
Shamanism is a strong tradition that has been present in Manipur since time immemorial. The profession is also prominently occupied by women who are called ‘Amaibi’ in the local dialect
Shamanism is a strong tradition that has been present in Manipur since time immemorial. The profession is also prominently occupied by women who are called ‘Amaibi’ in the local dialect
There are also cross-dressers and men who are known as ‘Nupa Maibi’ and ‘Amaiba’ respectively. The occupation also exists as an institution inside the palace of Kangla where separate guilds were erected called ‘Amai Loisang’. For an Amaibi, there are no particular rules for selecting a candidate. It is spiritual in nature and also religious in conduct. Most stories of a woman becoming an Amaibi relates to some form of spiritual calling that they feel in their dream or through physical signs such as an ailment or visions. One cannot decide to become an Amaibi on free will unless chosen in these spiritual ways. When they believe they have received such a call, they will inform the head of the Amai Loisang, called ‘Ashupi’, who will examine the person and decide on their qualification.
There are three ranks in the institute of Amaibi.
1. Hidang Amaibi
They serve five gods and are the lowest rank. They are apprentices and recently appointed Amaibi members.
2. Hanjabi Amaibi
They serve fifteen gods. They are the experienced members who are also mentors to Hidang Amaibi.
3. Sanglakpi Amaibi
They serve more than thirty gods and ‘Ashupi’, the head of the whole institute, is selected from this rank. Amaibi also plays an important role in the rituals of Lai Haraoba. They are needed right from the very beginning. Lai Haraoba cannot be initiated without the ceremony of Ekouba (the ritual of inviting or invoking the gods and goddesses out of the water). Here, the Amaibis perform the ceremony and also render oracles and prophecies.
