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.
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