Nagaland Tribes

The culture and History of Nagaland beautifully reflects in the customs, beliefs, traditions and activities of its tribes. Originally the inhabitants of Nagaland were called 'Hill people' or Hao (tribes). All the people in the state belong to one or the other tribe. And all the tribes belong to the Indo-Mongoloid family. The tribes of Nagaland are: Lothas, Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchungru, Zeliang. Out of all these Lothas, Aos, Sumis and Angamis are the largest tribes. Collectively all the tribes are given a title 'Naga'. Nagaland is famous for its handicrafts which exhibit beauty and richness. The credit for such a rich heritage goes to its tribes which passed on the art from generation after generation. Today's brilliant art and craft of the state has taken birth from the womb of the culture of the tribes. They are expert in making carpets, shawls, cane and bamboo products, jewellery, pottery, masks, wooden objects, musical instruments and much more. Each tribe produces its own special kind of handicrafts with different colours and designs.

Feasts and festivals are the most fundamental elements of the lives of the tribes. The main occupation of the tribes is agriculture and hence most of the festivals are related to agricultural activities such as reaping, sowing and harvesting. Tribal festivals are accompanied by tribal dance and songs. The most famous tribal dances are the War dance, performed during during festivals and Bamboo dance, which involves a lot of perfection. Nazu festival is their most important festival which stretches for ten days. It falls in the month of February. The festival is marked with a wonderful dance called Khupielilie dance.

People of the Nagaland tribes are short in height with a brownish yellow complexion. The hair is generally straight and eyes are small. They are very hospitable and hard working. You would love to meet such wonderful people.