Angami Naga Tribe: Culture, Language, and Traditions

The Angami Naga tribe, primarily residing in Nagaland with a few settlements in Manipur, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strong agricultural practices. They speak Tenyidie as their primary language, while Nagamese serves as a lingua franca. The tribe practices terrace and Jhum cultivation, with animal husbandry and craftsmanship being key aspects of their livelihood. Despite the influence of Christianity, their traditional festivals, especially Sekrenyi, continue to play a significant role in preserving their cultural identity.

In Context

• The stone-Pulling Ceremony is participated by the Angami Naga tribes and denotes solidarity and convergence.

• About Angami Naga Tribe

  • Location and Ethnic Background:

    • State: The popular tribes of Naga normally reside in the Kohima district of the Nagaland state. Only a few are located in Manipur as well.

    • Migration: Some predecessors were from Myanmar who had settled in Nagaland.

    • Ethnic Group: They have Mongoloid features about them.

Language:

• Tenyidie: This is the main language being spoken by the people of Angami Nagas in Nagaland.

• Nagamese: Simplified language consisting of elements of Assamese, Bengali, Hindi and Nepali languages. It is a lingua franca.

Culture and Economy:

• Agriculture: Terrace wet cultivation.

• Sow new field besides practicing Jhum cultivation..

• Animal Husbandry: Important livelihood.

• Craftsmanship: Some of the craft association that are found here include the cane and bamboo basketry.

• Khophi, a utility basket, is the featured item of the furniture range.

Religion: Most have convert to Christianty.

Society: Patriarchal and patrilineal.

Festival: The greatest of them all is Sekrenyi and the people make a lot of show of the festival.

Conclusion

The Angami Naga tribe, residing primarily in Nagaland and parts of Manipur, is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong ties to agriculture, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship. Their unique language, Tenyidie, and simplified Nagamese, along with the traditional practices of terrace farming and Jhum cultivation, define their way of life. Despite the changes brought by Christianity, their festivals like Sekrenyi remain a vital part of their identity, showcasing their deep-rooted traditions. The stone-pulling ceremony symbolizes their unity and strength, underscoring their enduring solidarity.