Naga Tribes of India

The entire population of the Nagas are tribes and belong to the Indo-Mongoloid family. The fourteen major Naga tribes are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khemungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunger and Zeliang. Pochury used to be part of Chakhesang but they splited out from the group. Nagaland which has these hill tribes had no generic term applicable to the whole race. The people of the plains supposed to have given the name 'Naga' to these hill tribes. This proved to be a great unifying force to the tribes now classified as Naga.


¤ The People

Nagas are of sub-medium height, the facial index is very low, the nasal index corresponds to a medium nose, the hair is generally straight, the skin is brownish yellow. The eyes significantly do not show Mongolian form. Every group of Nagas has theories about their origin. The Angamis, Semas, Rengams and the Lotha's subscribe to the Kheza-Kenoma legend. According to this legend, three sons went in separate ways and become the forefathers of Angami, Sema and the Lotha tribes. The legend of the lake of Themiakelku zie near Khonoma was believed by the western Angamis to be the place where the first man evolved. The Rengmas and Lothas believe in another legend. The Lungterok (six stones) on the Chongliemdi hill is what believed by the Aos and Phoms. Indo-Mongoloids as these tribes are known are believed to be the 'kiratas' frequently mentioned in the old Sanskrit literature of whom 'Nagas' were a sub-tribe.


¤ Cultural Aspects

Dresses
Depending upon the tribe, the clothes worn by men and women are different. Each may have a different design for some occasion. But a shawl can be mentioned of the Lotha tribe which is called Sutam, a white cloth with dark blue horizontal stripes. The women have a wrap-around skirt called 'mechala' and a shawl of colourful weaves and designs.

Dance culture
Tribal dances are performed mainly during festivals, marriages and harvest. War dances, dance during festivals of each tribe and bamboo dance are some of the commonest. When the ritual is performed, the dancers are usually clothed in colourful costumes and jewellery.

¤ Hospitality of the Tribe

The tribes had been maintaining a life and tradition of their own different to other race. Contrary to the fact that they might not open up to the outside world, the Nagas' striking characteristics is their hospitality and cheerfulness. And it's no surprise when you encounter these people on streets they would make you feel at home with their friendly responses. They usually have a tradition in a Naga village to receive a guest with a special drink of rice-beer and honour the guest with such enthusiasm. Travelling to Nagaland and interacting with these people have always been an enriching experience for the tourists.