Jewel of North East

Dance Forms of Nagaland

Nagaland is a tribal dominated state of the North Eastern part of the Indian sub-continent. It is bordered by Myanmar and their cultures are quite identical due to the close proximity. The state is occupied by 16 major tribes that are a compilation of several sub-tribes. Most of the dances of the state are performed by a group of men and women in perfect synchronization. The dance is performed with clapping and chanting in rhythm. Their dancing costumes are colorful and vibrant that adds to the grandiose of their events. Dancing is predominantly enjoyed and displayed in the rural parts of the state. The folk dances of the tribes of the state are performed on several auspicious events such as religious festivals, harvesting of the crops, wedding ceremonies, social gatherings etc. Each tribe of the state has its own dance but they are bound by commonality. In most of the dances of Nagaland, the upper body stands upright and erect, while the legs of the dancers perform complex steps.

Group dances of Nagaland
1. Aphilokuwo: War Dance by Sumi Tribes
2. Sawlili: Traditional game by Sumi Tribes
3. Akhetsu: Traditional game by Sumi Tribes
4. Kiti: Traditional game by Sumi Tribes
5. Tati: Orchestra by Chakhesang & Ao Tribes

The most significant dance forms of Nagaland have been elaborated below:

Zeliang Dance
This dance is recognized as the most artistic dance of Nagaland. It is a male oriented dance form, however, the Zeliang tribe allows women participants also. The performance begins with the group entering in the arena in a slow and graceful manner, taking their position in a geometric shape such as a circular formation. They then begin their foot tapping to gain rhythm. An attack is made on the opposite side with spears, in a false war condition. The participants are adorned in metal ornaments to add vigor to the dance. No musical instruments are involved in the Zeliang dance and most of the other dance forms of the state also.
War Dance
The War Dance is the most popular dance form in the state of Nagaland. It is athletic and energetic in style. It involves dangerous and sometimes lethal war movements by the participants. Due to its strategic steps and patterns, there is no room for error for the participants, as it could prove to be fatal. There are no musical accompaniments, en effet, the performers yell a war cry and other songs for their performance. The costume of the participants resembles a warrior’s gear for the battle. The artists hold ornaments made of silver, brass or iron metals as props for the dance. A mock war scenario is displayed by the artists. This dance is particularly performed by the Naga men or the men belonging to the Naga tribe of Nagaland.
Chang Lo or Sua Lua
This dance is the folk dance of the Chang tribe of Nagaland state. It was performed to celebrate victory in a battle over enemies, during the erstwhile times. In the present times, it is performed on a three day long festival of Poangelam. This festival proceeds the time of harvest in the region. It symbolizes the onset of the harvesting season in Nagaland. A warrior costume is worn by the participants for the display. The men performing this dance form are usually tall, robust, hard working and brave, in short, they possess all the traits of a good warrior. The women of the Chang tribe also join the men in the dance with utmost grace. The props used during the performance are dao, shield and spear, the weapons of war. Folk dance is an expression of identity of both participant and the occasion. The form of a Naga folkdance is based on the martial arts tradition of headhunting. The costumes i.e. shield, spear and sword etc worn by the dancers illustrate mythological stories, oral history, folklore, war, romance, and nature correlation. Aggressive movements, strong rhythmic folk tune and beat are characteristic of folkdance. Both male and female folkdances alike are martial in character. Traditionally Sümi Naga folkdance is performed only under the royal patronage. An influential man of status who had own trophy (enemies head), accomplished purification rite, and treated lavish feast to the community. In short a great warrior, religious, and wealthy man. He also is the head and guru of the village morung institution.