The seven states in the North East of India, colloquially known as the seven sisters, have a wide variety of customs, lifestyles and traditions. The North-East Lifestyle gallery at the National Museum provides glimpses of life in this region through a collection of artefacts related to life cycles, economic pursuits and traditions. The display also highlights the composite culture of the region. The traditional apparels, jewellery, basketry, wood carvings and personal adornments of some of the groups mirror the life and culture of others. All artefacts in this gallery are part of the anthropological collection of the National Museum comprising about 9,000 objects. The collection was built over the years through purchases, gifts by various private donors and surveys conducted in tribal belts and rural areas. It was enriched by the acquisition of significant objects from the late Dr Verrier Elwin, an eminent British anthropologist who lived, worked and died in India.