Damp bodies and smoky firewood: Material weather and livelihood in rural Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Weather patterns are sets of expected forces and substances which slot into the agricultural and ritual year. In the intersections between risky weathers and the materials which matter for people, knowledge is developed and used. Knowledge of potential risk is expressed in fodder collection practices and care of the chilled body. These material interactions are about safeguarding life and household and therefore livelihood. Applying theory on materiality and risk to livelihood practices in the face of weather, daily life emerges as a site of practical knowledge use. Assessing risk and dealing with the physical vulnerabilities in bodies and other relevant material entities thus become a core element of rural life. Given this, understanding the materials becomes a priority. Risk is knowledge of material interaction - for the subsistence of people.