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Ao Naga

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The Ao Naga Tribe: Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Identity

The Ao are one of the major Naga tribes of Nagaland, Northeast India. They were the first Naga tribe to embrace Christianity, which introduced Western education and significantly influenced their societal development. This transformation positioned the Aos as pioneers among the Nagas in various fields.

Christianity first entered Ao territory when American Baptist missionary Edwin W. Clark reached the Ao village of Molungkimong in 1872. The introduction of Christianity led to widespread literacy and modernization, shaping the Ao people's cultural and religious landscape.

Distribution

The total population of Ao Nagas in Nagaland is approximately 227,000, according to the 2011 census. They primarily inhabit the central Mokokchung District, with some residing in the adjacent Assam state. Mokokchung, considered the homeland of the Ao Naga tribe, spans 1,615 km² (624 square miles) and is bordered by Assam to the north, Wokha to the west, Tuensang to the east, and Zunheboto to the south.

The district features six distinct hill ranges running in a southeast direction:

  • Tzurangkong Range: Adjoins the plains of Assam, covered with bamboo forests and a warm climate.

  • Japukong Range: The outermost range, stretching northeast to southwest.

  • Changkikong Range: A parallel range east of Japukong.

  • Asetkong Range: A central range resembling an island between the Melak and Menung rivers.

  • Langpangkong Range: The easternmost range along the Dikhu River, forming a natural boundary with Tuensang and Mon districts.

  • Onpangkong Range: The southernmost range, marking the boundary with the Lotha, Sema, and Sangtam tribes.

Religion

The traditional Ao religion was animist, centered on appeasing spirits through ceremonies and sacrifices. Among their deities, Lichaba, the creator, was revered most highly.

Edwin W. Clark, an American missionary, traveled to Nagaland in 1872 with the intention of carrying out missionary work. He viewed his mission as a civilizing effort, replacing traditional Ao customs with Western practices.

Since the 19th century, the majority of Ao Nagas have converted to Christianity, primarily Baptist Protestantism. However, many still practice traditional animist festivals and rituals, albeit removed from their original religious contexts.

Cultural Practices and Festivals

The Ao Nagas are well known for their vibrant festivals, including:

  • Moatsü Festival: Celebrated in early May after sowing, marking the beginning of the agricultural cycle.

  • Tsüngremong Festival: A harvest festival held in August, celebrating the completion of farming activities.

Ao craftsmanship is highly regarded, with women engaging in intricate weaving, producing shawls, sling bags, and headgear. Cane and bamboo are used to create mats, baskets, and accessories, while wood carvings and pottery contribute to their artistic heritage.

References

:: Mills, J. P. The Ao Nagas. London: Macmillan and Co., 1926. 

: : Edwin W. Clark, Missionary Accounts of Ao Naga Conversion, 1872.

: : "A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix". Census India, Government of India, 2011.

: Jamir, P. Supong. "The Ao Naga Traditional Indigenous and Religious Beliefs." Fazl Ali College Journal, 2016. : "Culture & Heritage." Government of Nagaland.

Bhardwaj, Sushma. "Exotic Cuisine of Nagaland: Methods of Cooking and Medicinal Value." Nagaland Research Journal, 2019. 

Angumsuba Aier, Cultural Continuity and Change Among the Ao Nagas, International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2018. 

Oppitz, Michael, et al. Naga Identities: Changing Local Cultures in Northeast India. Gent: Snoeck Publishers, 2008.

Kunz, Richard & Vibha Joshi. Naga – A Forgotten Mountain Region Rediscovered. Basel: Merian, 2008.

Wettstein, Marion. Naga Textiles: Design, Technique, Meaning and Effect of a Local Craft Tradition in Northeast India. Stuttgart: Arnoldsche, 2014.

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