Society and Culture of Nagaland

The Nagas in Nagaland belong to the indo-mongoloid and comprise of 16 major tribes, as well as numerous subtribes, each having a specific geographic distribution.Nagas speak languages belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family. Though sharing many cultural traits, these tribes have maintained a high degree of isolation and lack cohesion as a single people.

The Aos,Konyaks, Semas, and Angamis are the largest tribe. Other tribes include the Lothas, Sangtams, Phoms, Changs, Khiamnungams, Yimchungres, Zeliangs, Chakhesangs (Chokri/Kheza), and Rengmas.The principal languages are Angami, Ao, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sangtam, and Sema.

The Nagas have high cheek bones, almond eyes, sparkling teeth and bronzed skin set the Nagas apart. They wear colourful tribal outfits, with bamboo shields sheathed in bear skin and decorated spears. Tribe and Clan plays an important part in the life of a Naga.