Name: Kimberly Charlotte Manners

Guide: Prof. Mandar Rane

Course: Visual Communication

MEM MEM-  Matriliny in Transition

The project aims at the study of the Meghalaya Matrilineal society in depth. The system is practiced in the state by 80% of the population (tribals) and it gives its women lineage importance and inheritance rights. It has had a great positive impact on the situation of women in the state as compared to the women in the rest of the country and has also addressed the grievance of men. The study as well as my personal experiences is directed towards the compilation of a graphic novel called “MEM MEM”  that subtly focuses talking about the features of the society and addresses a debate on whether it should undergo a transition or not.

“An interesting characteristic of the society is there prevails a ‘daughter-preference’ in almost every home. At least one daughter is preferred in family planning. As mem mem was made to toil in the kitchen, she misunderstands the concept of why families with a daughter/daughters were considered lucky.” Snippets of her life growing up, in 3/15 chapters, illustrated in brush and ink.

“Matriliny is vanishing from the face of the earth without being adequately understood by human and social scientists.” – Dr Celine Augustine, Matriliny in Transition: A Comparative Analysis

“This volume enables readers to understand the changing pattern of the Matrilineal system in the Khasi Hills” – Pariyaram M Chacko, Matriliny in Meghalaya

“Matriliny is more socialistic, and patriarchy more capitalistic” – Roland Kharkrang, Matriliny on the March