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Tribes of Nagaland

Author: TourGenie
Date: 2023-04-28

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As a tourist seeking cultural immersion, Nagaland will blow your mind. There are 17 major tribes and hundreds of sub-tribes residing in this hilly state that borders Myanmar. 

The Nagas belong to the Indo-Mongoloid family and speak Tibeto-Burman languages, one of the many distinguishing factors among the tribes. Colourful and intricately designed costumes, jewelry, and beads clearly set them apart at first glance. Each specific tribe also identifies with a specific deity.

The Nagas are known for being warm-hearted and hospitable. Offering a mug of rice beer to guests is pretty common here.  

The 17 tribes are namely Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Kheimungan, Kachari, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, Zeliang. 

Here’s a look at 10 of the tribes of Nagaland:

(1) ANGAMI TRIBE

The Angami tribe were traditionally known as warriors and reside mostly in Kohima. The Angami animists practice a religion known as Pfütsana and believe in the goddess Miawenüo, who is known to ignore a devotee’s actual needs while granting wishes, such as granting livestock when asked for harvest, to teach the lesson of relying more on one’s enterprise than on the supernatural to get work done. The Angamis are popular for their bamboo weaves, woodcraft, and woven shawls. Pork and bamboo shoot is a common dish of the Angami tribe. 

Attend the 10-day Sekrenyi festival celebrated by Angamis in February where you’ll see people beautifully donned in their ethnic attire. 

angami tribe 1

Angami tribe

(2) AO TRIBE

The Ao tribe is native to the Mokokchung District of Nagaland and compose of two racial groups: Mongsen and Chongli. They were the first Naga tribe to embrace Christianity. They are known for their harvest festivals.

The Moatsu Festival is celebrated in May and Tsungremong Festival is celebrated in August. 

Ao tribe man

Ao tribe woman

(3) CHAKHESANG TRIBE

Chakhesangs comprise 3 tribes: Chakri, Khezha, and Sangtam. They are the former Eastern Angamis, now recognized as a separate tribe. 

Their main festivals are Sukrenyu and Thsukhenyie. 

Chakhesang tribe

(4) KACHARI TRIBE

They are recognised as one of the non-Naga indigenous tribes of Nagaland; This tribe is also found in Assam. Dimapur is the ancient capital of the Kachari tribe. One of the noted features of this tribe is their multi-hued tribal attire.  

Kachari tribe

(5) KUKI TRIBE

The Kukis can be found in all the states of Northeast India except Arunachal Pradesh. They are known for their unique customs and traditions. Lawm is a traditional form of a youth club that imparts technical and practical knowledge related to farming, fishing, hunting etc. to its members. 

Mimkuut is their major festival which is celebrated in January. 

(6) KONYAK TRIBE

The Konyaks are recognisable from other tribes because of their tattoos. Facial tattoos were earned after they brought back severed heads of their enemies. They believe in the system of “Morung” (bachelor’s dormitories). Young boys and girls are sent to these institutes to train in warfare and follow the principles of their culture and traditions till they attain adulthood or till marriage. 

Aoleang is celebrated by the Konyaks in April when they don their traditional attire and sing, dance, and feast as a community. 

(7) LOTHA TRIBE 

Lotha is the name of a major Naga tribe inhabiting the Wokha district of Nagaland. They practiced headhunting till the arrival of Christianity.  

The 2 main festivals celebrated by the Lothas are Tokhu Emong and Pikhuchak. The Lothas are renowned for their colourful dances and folk songs which can be witnessed during the festivals. 

Lotha tribe

Lotha

(8) PHOM TRIBE

The origins of the Phoms are unknown. Their main occupation is agriculture and they also engage in pottery, spinning, and bamboo work. Their traditional clothing indicates the status of the wearer. The ordinary dress comprises a white or dark blue shawl-like body wrap whereas a distinguished person wears a cowrie-ornamented shawl. 

The Phoms celebrate 4 major festivals, but the most important is Monyu, a 12-day festival celebrated in April. The arrival of the festival is signaled by beating log drums a day or two before the festival.     

(9) SANGTAM TRIBE

The Sangtams live in the Tuensang and Kiphire districts of Nagaland. Like many other tribal groups in Northeast India, they practice jhum, or shifting cultivation. Unlike other Naga tribes, they have retained their traditional beliefs alongside Christianity. The Santams are big on festivals and have 12 of them related to their tradition and culture.

(10) SUMI TRIBE

They are the most united and aggressive tribe. Their loyalty towards their tribe people runs deep. They mainly inhabit the Zunheboto district. Their 2 major festivals are Tuluni and Ahuna. Ahuna is celebrated as a major public event with dances, competitions, traditional sports, songs, and more.


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2 Comments

  • you     June 03, 2023

informative...<3


  • Anna     October 30, 2023

Thank u so much, this help me a lot if u could write all the districts.


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