Nagaland’s Ao tribe: Where did they come from?
Nagaland, a hilly state in northeast India bordering Myanmar, is home to many indigenous tribes, including the Ao tribe. It is considered the second largest ethnic tribe in Nagaland. They recently celebrated their popular harvest festival called Moatsu Festival from 1st to 3rd May. Here is a sneak peek into their origin, unique rituals, and more.
Where does Nagaland’s Ao tribe come from?
Nagaland's Mokokchung district is home to Ao tribe. In Mokokchung District, their major expanse stretches from Tsüla (Dikhu) Valley in the east to Tsürang (Disai) Valley in the west.
Some studies suggest that the Ao Naga tribe is thought to have originated and migrated from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar. The Nagas are thought to be descendants of the Mongoloid ancestry (groups of people originating from Asia, excluding the Indian subcontinent and including Native American Indians) who later migrated to the hilly regions of modern-day Nagaland. The Mongsen and the Chongli are two racial groups that make up the Aos.
Ao tribe: The legend behind its origin
According to one legend, the Aos emerged from "Longtrok" which means "six stones" as three men and three women: Thongpok and his sister, Lendina, Longpok and his sister, Yongmenala, Longjakrep and his sister Elongshe. They then established the "Chungliyimti" village, where they resided and remained for a long time. These six stones are still said to exist in the aforementioned village.
The Aos eventually crossed the Dikhu River (a tributary of Brahmaputra River in Assam) on a cane bridge, leaving others behind. The ones who went ahead (the Aos) came to be known as "Aor" or "Ao" which means "going" or "gone”. Further, the Aos then settled in a place called "Soyim" which is now known as Ungma, before moving to another location known as "Koridang”. As the population developed, they gradually migrated over the five ranges of the land and established numerous new villages.
Putu Menden: The Ao governance system
In terms of village administration, clan distribution, institutions, and socio-cultural customs, the Aos are highly diverse. The Putu Menden is the name for their governance system. This government is made up of representatives from numerous clans. A clan is a small group of families descended from a common ancestor. In Ao terms, Putu denotes a generation of 30 years, and Menden denotes a seat. As a result, Putu Menden refers to the people who sit on the seat of that generation for 30 years. In any Ao hamlet, Putu Menden is the supreme authority.
What do the Ao Nagas do?
The Ao Naga community's most fundamental asset is land. Hence, slash and burn agriculture, also known as jhum or shifting cultivation (tekong lu or alu ayimba) is one of the primary occupations of Ao Nagas. Jhum is an ancient farming method used by the tribe since the beginning of time. Traditionally, it has been the most common form of agronomic practices in the village. The main crop in the jhums is paddy (tsulu ayimba), which is followed by maize, millet, and vegetables such as chilli, tomato, green leaves, pumpkin, cucumber, and others.
On the other hand, animal rearing (shiruru metsüba) is another important source of income for Aos, with practically every household raising pigs and poultry. Some families, however, also keep cows, goats, and rabbits. Meanwhile, women make traditional clothing such as shawls, mekhalas, and loincloths to supplement men’s income.