Don Bosco Museum: A Cultural Gateway to Northeast India

The Don Bosco Museum, officially known as the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC), stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and education in Shillong, Meghalaya. Founded in 2002 by the Salesian Missionaries, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of the indigenous communities of Northeast India. Named after St. John Bosco, an Italian priest known for his work with children, the museum embodies his commitment to education and social welfare. The museum's seven-story hexagonal building is an architectural landmark in Shillong. Inside, sixteen galleries display a wide array of artifacts, traditional clothing, tools, handicrafts, and artworks from various tribes and communities across the northeastern states. Exhibits cover diverse aspects of indigenous life, including art, music, housing, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and religion. The museum also features exhibits on neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar, highlighting the origin and migration of the tribes. Visitors can explore ethnographic collections showcasing the traditional attire, jewelry, and artifacts of different tribes. The museum also houses a collection of tribal weapons, offering insights into the martial culture of the region. Interactive displays, including touch screens and multimedia presentations, bring the culture and history of Northeast India to life. A skywalk offers a 360-degree view of Shillong. The museum also houses a research center, the North Eastern Institute for Research in Anthropology (NEIRA), and a library with a vast collection of books on the cultural aspects of North East India.