Tribes of Nagaland

Nagas of tribal origin belong to 16 major tribes and sub tribes. Of the most well known Tribes of Nagaland are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Kuki, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchungru and Zeliang. Belonging to the Indo-Mongoloid family their main occupation is agriculture. Terrace farming is prevalent in Nagaland where rice is the main food grain.

The Nagas comprises the former Naga hill District of Assam and the former Tuensang frontier divisions. Each of the tribes has its own distinctive characteristics, language, customs and dress. Nagas are friendly people with characteristic mongoloid features of high cheekbones and almond shaped eyes and swarthy skins. Colorful outfits with decorated spears and bamboo sheaths wrapped in bearskin make up their appearance. All the 16 tribes have their own distinct dialects, traditional costumes and customs. Naga’s love for music, dance and rich ritualistic ceremonies are well known. You can distinguish a Naga of a higher social hierarchy by the number of bone necklaces he adorns.

Consisting of tribals, Nagaland’s largest tribes are Aos, Konyaks, Semas, and Angamis. The people of Nagaland have strong clan loyalties and are more traditional than any of other North East States. Their traditional occupation is weaving. Like the rest of the North East Indian States, tribal dances of the Nagas are very popular which has taken an art form. They give perceptivity into the inborn reserve of the people. War dances are very popular form of dances in Nagaland.

The Nagas are predominantly Christians and regular churchgoers. Hindus and Muslims form the non-Naga population of the state. A small minority practices the traditional pagan religions and lives mostly in Peren and the Eastern districts of Nagaland.

The Pochury tribe of Nagaland celebrates the Nazu festival amongst great fan fare. Held in the month February for 10 days before the sowing of seeds for the year, the festival is celebrated with much merrymaking. Revelry in the form of songs and dances are performed by the Pochury tribe. The Pochury women perform the Khupielilie dance.

This beautiful land of abundant natural beauty has immense tourist attraction. The ethnic tribes, their habitat, arts and handicrafts and the locales attract many. Log on to northeastindia.com to know about Tribes of Nagaland.