Region

Mostly inhabit the central and southern regions of Nagaland.

Settlement Pattern

Sumis are the most widespread tribe among the Nagas in terms of settlement. Known for their emphasis on village establishment, a practice continuing in recent years.

Historical Practice

Practiced head-hunting before the arrival of Christian missionaries and the subsequent conversion to Christianity.

Language

Sumi language, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman language family.

Major Festivals

Ahuna and Tuluni.

Ahuna Festival

A traditional post-harvest festival celebrating the season's harvest with thanksgiving and prayers for good fortune in the New Year.

Tuluni Festival

Celebrated to welcome the arrival of new crops/fruits from the field. It includes prayers of gratitude for the previous year's yield.

Tribe

Primary Area of Settlement

Language

Major Festivals

Cultural Practices

Angami

Kohima and surrounding areas

Angami (Tibeto-Burman)

Sekrenyi, Hega Festival

Traditional farming, weaving, and folk music.

Ao

Mokokchung District

Ao (Tibeto-Burman)

Moatsu, Bushu, and Monyu festivals

Famous for its rich cultural heritage, weaving, and wood carving.

Sumi

Zunheboto District, parts of Wokha

Sumi (Tibeto-Burman)

Sekrenyi Festival

Known for farming and vibrant cultural rituals.

Konyak

Mon District

Konyak (Tibeto-Burman)

Aoleang Festival

Famous for headhunting tradition (historically), agriculture.

Lotha

Wokha District

Lotha (Tibeto-Burman)

Tuluni Festival

Known for agriculture and unique weaving techniques

Phom

Longleng District

Phom (Tibeto-Burman)

Monyu Festival

Agricultural practices and traditional music/dance.

Chakhesang

Phek District

Chakhesang (Tibeto-Burman)

Chakesang festival

Agricultural community with unique folk traditions.

Pochury

Phek District

Pochury (Tibeto-Burman)

Christmas and Easter festivals

Strong tradition of weaving and agricultural practices.

Rengma

Kohima and parts of Phek

Rengma (Tibeto-Burman)

Ngada Festival

Known for traditional farming and their religious ceremonies.

Zeliang

Peren and parts of Wokha

Zeliang (Tibeto-Burman)

Yemshe Festival

Strong agricultural and handicraft traditions.

Kuki

Parts of Nagaland and Myanmar Border

Kuki (Kuki-Chin)

Chavang Kut Festival

Traditionally nomadic and known for weaving and agriculture.

Meghn

Dimapur District

Meghn (Tibeto-Burman)

Pochury Festival

Famous for agricultural expertise and unique cuisine.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements about the Sumi Naga tribe is/are incorrect?

1. The Sumi Naga language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family.
2. The Sumi Naga tribe is known for its traditional agricultural practices and vibrant festivals such as the Sekrenyi festival.
3. The Sumi Naga tribe has a strong cultural influence on the neighboring Kuki tribe.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Sumi Naga tribe is primarily located in the state of Nagaland, India.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Sumi Naga language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman subgroup of the Sino-Tibetan language family, not Sino-Tibetan as a whole.

Statement 2 is correct: The tribe is known for its agricultural practices and celebrates the Sekrenyi festival, which is an important cultural event.

Statement 3 is incorrect: There is no significant cultural influence on the neighboring Kuki tribe specifically from the Sumi Naga tribe.