KNOW THE TRIBES OF NAGALAND

Nagaland, one of the Seven States of North East India, is inhabited by 16 major tribes as well as sub-tribes. Each tribe is unique in character with its own distinct customs, languages and attires. All the tribes have their own traditions, cultural practices, festivals, folk songs and dances which depict their history. These are passed down to generations by word of mouth. Nagas are creative by nature and every tribe has its own unique and colorful shawls and wraparounds.

- C.JOSEPH

1 Angami Tribe

The Angamis are hill people, depend on cultivation and livestock-rearing, and are known for terraced wet-rice cultivation. The major religion followed is Christianity. Angami territory is made up of the present Kohima district, which is divided into four regions: Southern Angami, Western Angami, Northern Angami and Chakro Angami. The former Eastern Angami is now recognized as Chakhesang.

Main festival: Sekrenyi (Ten-day celebration every February)

Language: Angami

2 Ao Tribe

The Aos are one of the major tribes of Nagaland. They have a rich tradition of clothing; the Ao Naga warrior shawl is called Mangkotepsu. Aos were the first Naga tribe to embrace Christianity and by virtue of this they availed themselves of a western education. In the process, they became a pioneering tribe among the Nagas in many fields.

Main festival: Moatsu Mong (Three-day celebration, first week of May every year)

Language: Mongsen Chungli

3 Chakhesang Tribe

Most of the villages of this tribe fall under the Phek district and Pfutsero, Chozuba sub-division of Nagaland. The tribe is divided into two groups known as Chokri and Khezha. Originally, Chakhesang consisted of three major sub-tribes, namely Chokri, Khezha and Sangtam, from where the word Chakhesang came, taking the first syllable of each tribe: “cha” from Chokri, “khe” from khezha and “sang” from Sangtam. Chakhesang consist of two major groups, Chokri and Khezha, and one minor group Zhamai or Zhavame, who belong to the Poumai Naga tribe living predominantly in Manipur.

Main festival: Sukrunye and Thsukhenyie (Celebrated every year in January and May)

Language: Chokri and Khezha.