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The total Naga population is about 3 million, consisting of more than 40 tribes. They speak over 30 different and sometimes mutually unintelligable tonal languages of the Tibeto-Burman language family. In spite of the bewildering diversity in language and culture, all the Naga tribes share a set of core cultural elements that set them apart from other peoples living in the region. But the idea of being ìone peopleî that wants to be recognized as a nation has not existed until fairly recently
A tribe as understood by anthropologists is a type of human social organization in which a group of people larger than a family have a common identity based on common descent, shared language, culture and ideology. Tribes usually consist of a number of smaller, politically autonomous units like villages. In some cases there may be chiefs whose authority reaches beyond one single village. But while tribes may share a tribal name and a contiguous territory, or coordinate joint endeavours such as trade or ritual events, there is no encompassing political authority over a whole tribe.
As much as the origin of the Naga people remains lost in the mist of history, both the meaning and origin of the name ìNagaî is unknown. There has been considerable speculation on that, but all that can be said for sure is that the name was coined by outsiders and that it usually and for a long time has been loaded with prejudices. Only since a few decades have the Nagas adopted the name themselves and they now carry it with self-confidence and pride.
Most of the Nagas believe that their ancestors came from a place somewhere far North, in present-day China. They first migrated to the village of Makhrai-Rabu (also known by the name ÑMakhelì) from where they dispersed to the various directions that they are living now. Makhrai-Rabu is located in the land of the Mao tribe in present-day Manipur state. Several historic symbols associated with the dispersal of the Nagas are still existing there: a big stone called Tamratu, which means ìstone of dispersalî; an ancient wild pear tree called Chutebu, planted at the time of dispersal by the Naga elders. It is said that the Naga ancestors took an oath to unite again one day.
The ancestors of the Nagas also erected three stone monoliths in the village of Makhrai-Rabu. They are called Linotu. The three monoliths represent Tiger, Man and Spirit, symbolizing flora and fauna, human society and the spiritual world. It is believed that if the stones representing man and spirit tilt or fall, it is a sign that human society and the spiritual world have degenerated dangerously. The stone representing the tiger has already fallen. And indeed, the wild flora and fauna in Nagalim have been heavily depleted in recent decades.
Nagas are masters of jewelry making and weaving. Especially the traditional shawls are an expression of each tribeís identity, with each of them having developed their distinct pattern. Although today all Nagas wear factory clothes, shawls and for women, traditional wraparound skirts, are still worn and highly valued by everyone. And they play an important role in gift giving.
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