Angami
The Angami are one of the major Naga tribes, centered around Kohima, the state capital of Nagaland. Their name derives from the Manipuri word “Gnamei,” meaning “people of the stone,” a reference to their remarkable tradition of stone architecture and terrace cultivation that has shaped the landscape of the Kohima district for centuries.
Angami society is distinguished by its democratic village governance. Unlike the hereditary chieftainship of the Konyak, Angami villages are governed by councils of elders and clan representatives, a system that has drawn comparisons to ancient Greek city-states. Each village functions as a semi-autonomous entity with its own customary laws, and the fierce independence of Angami villages historically made them formidable adversaries in warfare.
The Angami are perhaps best known in wider Indian history for the Battle of Kohima in 1944, where British and Indian forces, aided by Angami warriors, defeated the Japanese invasion of India. The Kohima War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, stands on the tennis court of the Deputy Commissioner’s bungalow where some of the fiercest fighting occurred.
Today, the Angami are known for their sophisticated textile traditions, their terraced rice cultivation that creates stunning hillside landscapes, and their vibrant festival culture. The Sekrenyi festival, a purification ceremony held in February, is the most significant Angami celebration and offers visitors an intimate window into living Naga tradition.
Craft Traditions
The Angami are master weavers whose textiles rank among the most sophisticated in tribal Asia. The iconic Angami shawl features bold geometric patterns in red, black, and white, with specific designs indicating clan membership, social status, and personal achievements. The warrior shawl, traditionally earned through acts of valor, carries distinctive cowrie shell embellishments and symbolic motifs.
Stone-working is another hallmark of Angami culture. Traditional Angami villages feature remarkable stone architecture, including defensive walls, ceremonial platforms, and monoliths erected to commemorate feasts of merit. The engineering of their agricultural terraces, which transform steep hillsides into productive rice paddies, reflects centuries of accumulated knowledge in land management and hydraulics.
Visiting Etiquette
Angami villages near Kohima are generally welcoming to visitors. A local guide familiar with the specific village customs is recommended. When visiting during festivals, observe from designated areas unless invited to participate. The Angami place great value on hospitality and visitors may be offered food and rice beer.
In Khonoma, the historic "green village" and the site of a famous 1879 resistance against the British, tourism is well-organized with designated trails and cultural interpretation. Respect the sacred groves and restricted forest areas that are central to Khonoma's identity as Asia's first green village.
