MAO NAGA

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 Context:

Mao tribe accepts verdict on traditional land dispute with Nagaland.

 Details

The Maos are one of the Naga ethnic groups. The traditional homeland of the Mao Nagas is spread over the present state of Manipur and Nagaland where the majority live in the Senapati district. The Mao Nagas calls themselves Ememei or Memes in their language.

With the advent of the British in the Nagas territories, the usage of the term Mao has been recorded as the official name for administrative purposes. According to the 2011 provisional census, Mao has a population of 97,195.

Culture and tradition

The well-known traditions of the Sacred Wild Pear Tree (Chutebu Kaju) at Shajouba, the Charmed Stone (Otu Tupha) at Tobufu, the Banyan Tree (Charasu Marabu) and the Trio Megaliths monuments represent Animal, Spirit and Man (Okhe Tu, Ora Tu, Omei Tu) at Makhel which still exists in Mao land territory are popular among the Nagas.

Settlement 

The Mao Nagas lives in a compact and well-protected village usually situated in the hill-top and mountain ridges in the past, the village Chief (Movuo, literally means "King) along with the village elders. One of the special features of the Mao village is the presence of the village gate (Koro-Chokhu) While entering the village.

Society

 Their society follows a patriarchal system where descent is traced through the male lineage.  Marriages within the same clan are forbidden.

Livelihood

The economy of the Mao Nagas is predominantly agrarian, and rice is their staple food and engage primarily in the terrace and shifting cultivations, other major economic activities are animal husbandry, weaving cloths, basketry and gardening.

Religious belief

Before the advent of Christianity, the Mao Naga have their traditional religion known as Opfupe China Chuno (religion of the forefather). They believe in the existence of a Supreme being called Tyi Koki Choku Kapı Oramer (a benevolent God who protect and nurture man).

The Man Nagas also believes in the existence of malevolent spirits that cause sickness, death and suffering to mankind. Today the majority of the Mao Nagas have embraced Christianity.

Festivals

There are four main festivals celebrated by the Mao Nagas. They are Chuthuni, Chujuni, Saleni, and Onuni. All these festivals are mainly revolved around agricultural activities.

 Source:

https://nagaaffairs.org/mao-naga/