This photo shows a traditional Tau or Tautung, a simple watchtower built on a small hillock to protect the crops. Made from wooden poles, bamboo and a small roof of tarpaulin and woven mats, it stands tall above the fields. Mr. Jeffrey C. Thangkhal is sitting on the platform, keeping watch over the nearly ripe rice below. The bright blue sky and golden paddy create a peaceful village scene.
A Tau is used to guard the fields from birds, animals and rodents that come to eat the ripening grains. During harvest season, these pests become more active, so the farmers take turns sitting on the Tau. From this high point, they shout loudly or make noise to scare them away. It is a simple but effective method of protecting the year’s hard work. This photo captures an important part of traditional Thangkhal farming life, where people rely on skill, patience and community effort to keep their crops safe.
In this Tau, you will find triangular tin sheets called sok. When the wind blows, these tin sheets knock against each other and make a clattering sound. This noise helps to scare away the birds and animals.
In the old days, farmers tied a long rope, called Sok-khaau, from the Tau down to the lower part of the field (corn, maize or wheat). When someone pushed or pulled this rope, the sok would make a rattling noise, which frightened birds and other animals from the crops.
Today, some farmers use a wooden cross dressed in old clothes to look like a man or woman. This acts as a scarecrow to keep birds, rodents, and other animals away. Some even cover the cross with straw to make it look more frightening.
In short, the sok can be described as an “alarming bell” used by farmers in the Thangkhal hills.
~ KHALVONTAWI NEWS
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