Draft:Angami Naga Tribe
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Angami Naga Tribe
[edit]The Angami Naga tribe is one of the major ethnic groups of Nagaland, India. They primarily inhabit the Kohima District and its surrounding regions. Known for their rich cultural heritage, agricultural practices, and traditional festivals, the Angami Nagas have a distinct identity within the Naga community.
Etymology
[edit]The name "Angami" is believed to have originated from the term Ngami, which refers to their self-designation. Over time, this name was Anglicized to "Angami" during British administration.
Geography
[edit]The Angamis predominantly reside in the southern region of Nagaland, with Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, being their central hub. Their villages are often located on hilltops, which provided strategic advantages for defense during historical conflicts.
Language
[edit]The Angami Naga tribe speaks the Tenyidie language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. Tenyidie is an important medium of communication among the Tenyimi-speaking tribes, and there are efforts to preserve and promote it.
Culture
[edit]Festivals
[edit]The Angami tribe celebrates several festivals, primarily centered around agriculture and community well-being. The most significant festival is:
- Sekrenyi Festival: Celebrated in February, this is a purification festival marking the beginning of spring. It involves rituals for cleansing the soul and body and community feasting.[1]
Traditional Attire
[edit]Angami men traditionally wear a distinctive shawl called Loramhoushu, which is black with white and red patterns symbolizing status and achievements. Women wear colorful shawls and skirts, often adorned with beads and ornaments.[2]
Cuisine
[edit]Angami cuisine is notable for its simplicity and reliance on local produce. Staple foods include rice, millet, and vegetables, often accompanied by pork or smoked meat. Galho, a rice porridge dish with vegetables and meat, is a popular traditional delicacy.[3]
Religion
[edit]Traditional Beliefs
[edit]The traditional religion of the Angami Naga tribe is Pfütsana, an animistic faith that emphasizes nature worship, ancestral veneration, and community rituals.[4]
Conversion to Christianity
[edit]In the 19th century, Christian missionaries introduced Christianity to the Angami Nagas. Today, a significant majority of Angamis identify as Christians, although some continue to practice their traditional religion.[5]
Economy
[edit]The Angami Nagas are primarily agrarian, with terraced farming being a hallmark of their agricultural practices. They grow rice, millet, and other crops on terraced fields, which are built along the slopes of hills. They are also skilled in handicrafts, particularly bamboo and woodwork.[6]
Social Structure
[edit]The Angami society is organized into clans and villages. Each village functions as an independent unit with its own governance system, often led by village elders. Clan loyalty plays a significant role in the social structure.[7]
Decline of Traditional Practices
[edit]With the advent of modernization and the spread of Christianity, many traditional practices and rituals of the Angami tribe have declined. However, efforts are underway to revive and preserve their cultural heritage.
References
[edit]- ^ Mills, J.P. The Angami Nagas (1922). London: Oxford University Press.
- ^ Hutton, J.H. The Angami Nagas: With Some Notes on Neighboring Tribes (1921). London: Macmillan.
- ^ Hutton, J.H. The Angami Nagas: With Some Notes on Neighboring Tribes (1921). London: Macmillan.
- ^ Mills, J.P. The Angami Nagas (1922). London: Oxford University Press.
- ^ Hutton, J.H. The Angami Nagas: With Some Notes on Neighboring Tribes (1921). London: Macmillan.
- ^ Mills, J.P. The Angami Nagas (1922). London: Oxford University Press.
- ^ Hutton, J.H. The Angami Nagas: With Some Notes on Neighboring Tribes (1921). London: Macmillan.
See Also
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