In Limbu Mundhum: Authority and Gender

Abstract

The Limbus, one of the indigenous ethnic communities mainly inhabiting the eastern part of Nepal, live with their own distinctive culture under the guidance of Limbu ritual/religious scripture, the Mundhum. The Mundhum is recited and performed by Limbu ritual/ religious actants/officients called Phedangma, Samba, Yeba/Yema, etc. The Mundhum ritual performances embody various aspects of socio-cultural, religio-historical situations, and the role of gender and power in the Limbu community. As the Mundhum provides them with key roles to play, females do hold significant power and privileges in the Limbu community.