Watch: Monpa woman turns 200-year-old home into living museum in Arunachal

In a remarkable effort to preserve Monpa heritage, 24-year-old Leike Chomu from Chug Valley, West Kameng district, has transformed her 200-year-old ancestral home into a living museum. 

This unique initiative not only showcases traditional Monpa artifacts but also immerses visitors in the indigenous way of life.

Situated near Dirang town, the museum stands as a testament to the Monpa community’s history, constructed using ancient mud and stone techniques. “It’s about keeping our cultural identity alive,” says Chomu, who took the lead in restoring the house and curating artifacts. The initiative, supported in part by WWF India, is primarily her personal endeavor to safeguard her heritage from rapid modernization.

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Unlike conventional museums, this living museum allows visitors to experience the daily life of the Monpa people as it was centuries ago. Launched on October 5, 2024, the site has already become a significant cultural attraction, drawing tourists from across India. Visitors describe it as a rare and authentic journey into history, with some expressing a deep emotional connection to Monpa traditions.

Chomu urges the youth to cherish and maintain their traditional homes rather than replacing them with modern concrete structures, emphasizing that “loss of culture is loss of identity.” Tourists from Assam have lauded her efforts, calling the museum a crucial step in preserving ancestral heritage.

Perched atop Chug Valley, the living museum requires visitors to undertake a steep trek, adding to the adventure and authenticity of the experience. With its growing popularity, Chomu’s initiative is not just preserving the past but inspiring a renewed appreciation for indigenous heritage in Arunachal Pradesh.