Gofan: from Savsibhai Surabhai Sambad

Content Description

This object is termed Gofan, belonging to Mr. Savsibhai Surabhai Sambad. Gofan works by having the cord pulled after putting the pebble or small stone in the bag. When released, the pebble or small stone travels far and quickly in the direction of the target. The speed of the pebble or small stone is four to five times greater than that of a stone thrown with bare hands. When performed by an experienced elder, it often hits the target and when not, its movement and sound successfully scare away the animals. The Maldhari pastoralists have used it to chase wildlife while grazing their livestock in grasslands.

Condition Description

The object is in good condition and is still in use to chase wildlife that enter the farms or grazing grounds of Maldharis.The object will be later transferred to the Maldhari Collection.

Accession Date

2025-04-18

Dispostion

The digitized version of this object will be moved into NCBS's archive after digitizing.

Acquisition Type

Loan

Retention Rule

The object is of archival value to PAST and CI as it gives us a glimpse into grassland and wildlife management in the past. The physical material is currently on loan from donor Savsibhai Sambad to CI employee Govind Tramta. The document will be under CI’s custody as a loan until its digitization, by June-July, after which it will be passed down to its owner. The digitized copies will be housed at NCBS and CI. CI plans to keep a copy of the digitized document for further consultation by local communities and researchers in the future.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.

Use Restrictions

Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives at NCBS. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). See access guidelines for more information (https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.