Nagaland
Nagaland is almost entirely inhabited by 16 groups of Tibeto-Burmese tribes. Among them are Angamis, Aos, Konyaks, Kukis, Lothas, Semas and Wanchus. The Nagas, who were once head hunters, have been known for their fierceness and the regular raids they made on Assam and Burma. The warring tribes believed that since the enemy’s animated soul, waha, was to be found at the nape of the neck, it could only be set free once beheaded. However, since the spritual soul, mio, resided in the head and brought good fortune, enemy heads (and those of dead comrades) were prized as they could add to a community’s own store of dead ancestors.
The hilltop villages are protected by stone walls. The morung, a meeting house, acts as a boy’s dormitory, and is used for storing weapons and once displayed the prizes of war i.e. the enemy heads. The huge sacred drum, which stands by each morung is hallowed out tree trunk carved to resemble a buffalo head.
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Nagaland
Visit Shangnyu village which is ruled by the Chief Angh and is a prominent village in Mon district. There is a wonderful wooden monument measuring 8 feet in height and 12 feet in breadth- believed to have been constructed by heavenly angels. Human beings and other creatures are carved on this monument. Memorial stones are also found in front of the Angh’s Palace. History records that good and friendly relationship existed between the Shangnyu and the Ahom Kings of Assam. Shangnyu Angh use to collect taxes from all the villages under his domain-extending from Sibsagar in Assam to the Wanchos in Arunachal.
Contact UsMorning drive to Mokukchung for 4-5 hours. This picturesque town is the cultural center of the Ao tribes. The Ao Nagas is famous for their colourful dances. Evening visit Ungma village, the biggest Ao village and looks like a adjunct of Mokokchung town. According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and is a treasure house of Ao folklories, customs and traditions.
Contact UsVisit Shangnyu village which is ruled by the Chief Angh and is a prominent village in Mon district. There is a wonderful wooden monument measuring 8 feet in height and 12 feet in breadth- believed to have been constructed by heavenly angels. Human beings and other creatures are carved on this monument. Memorial stones are also found in front of the Angh’s Palace. History records that good and friendly relationship existed between the Shangnyu and the Ahom Kings of Assam. Shangnyu Angh use to collect taxes from all the villages under his domain-extending from Sibsagar in Assam to the Wanchos in Arunachal.