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The Sherdukpen are ethnically related to both the Aka and Monpa. Their population of 4,200 is centered in West Kameng onto the villages of Rupa, Jigaon, Thongri, Shergaon and Doimara, in Bomdila, all of these are at elevations between 5000-6000 feet above sea level. However at present, some of them have settled in Kameng bari areas, a new settlement area under Bhalukpong circle.
The Sherdukpen society are divided into two classes, the Thong and the Chao. The Thongs are said to be descendants of king Jsotang, the Gyaptong, and an Assamese princess. Bura and Chao are the descendants of his partners and servant class. As such, the class Thong is superior to Chao. The two classes again divided into several clans. To commemorate this issue, they annually migrate during the winter months to Doimara in order to maintain their age-long relations with the plains. The Village Council, presided by the Thik Akhao (Village Headman) administers law and order.
The Sherdukpen are agriculturalists. They practice both both shifting and permanent farming. They keep livestock like ponies, cows, goats, sheep, fowls and bullocks. They hunt with bows and arrows. They practice fishing by means of nets, angles and traps. The Sherdukpen women are skilled weavers. Tools like the plough (ganga), felling axe (handu), wooden dibble (chhaki) and scythe (brachok) for cultivation.
The Sherdukpen men wear a sleeveless cloth, cotton or silk about 2½ yards in length and 1½ yards in width, with the two ends of which pinned to the shoulders that reach down to the knees. A skull-cap, or gurdam, made from yaks hair with tassels jutting down over the face is worn by the men. The gurdam is decorated with a white cockade and colourful band round its brim. The waistband is a thick embroidered sash, which holds the mighty Tibetan sword. A bogre, cloth woven from fibre plants, is tied round the shoulders to form a fold at the back, which serve as a haversack. A long strapped side bag is also used. The womenfolk wear a collarless and sleeveless cloth to cover them from the shoulders to the knees. A full-sleeved embroided jacket and waist cloth (mushaiks) are worn over this cloak. The ladies dress their hair tied into a bun at the back. Grown up girls do not tie their tresses into a knot. A cream made from the indigenious pine-resin is used for make-up. Their ornaments include silver wristlets, bracelets, rings, bangles necklaces etc. locally manufactured with traditional motifs. Weaving is considered a feminine art. The Sherdukpens manufacture utensils and furniture in an artistic manner.
Like the Monpas, the Sherdukpens are also followers of the Gelugpa sect of Lamaism. However, pre-Buddhist Animist spiritualism elements have interwined with Lamaism over the years. Their priests include the animist Jijis and the Buddhist lamas from the dzongs. Their festivals include Losar, Choskar, Wang and Khiksabha.
Dances include the Yak Dance, the Deer dance and Ajilamu dance are exciting and entertaining. An interesting feature of Sherdukpen life is their annual migration during the winter months to Doimara and maintains their age-long relations with the plains.
The Sherdukpen generally practice Monogamy and trace their descent patrilineally. Their houses are built on strong stone foundations with their wall and floor made from thick wooden planks.
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