95-400: Chang Lo dance is performed by Chang tribe of Nagaland . They perform it to celebrate their victory against enemies. It is a three-day festival where drama is also performed. This article about Indian dance is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Nagaland Nagaland ( / ˈ n ɑː ɡ ə l æ n d / ) is a state in the north-eastern region of India . It
190-640: A battle ended, the warrior, true to his mercenary origins, would ceremoniously present trophy heads to a general, who would variously reward him with promotions in rank, gold or silver, or land from the defeated clan. Generals displayed the heads of defeated rivals in public squares. Headhunting has been a practice among the Kukis , the Wa , Mizo , the Garo and the Naga ethnic groups of India , Bangladesh and Myanmar till
285-683: A field trip, may have been taken by headhunters in the Asmat region. He was the son of New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller. In The Cruise of the Snark (1911), the account by Jack London of his 1905 adventure sailing in Micronesia, he recounted that headhunters of Malaita attacked his ship during a stay in Langa Langa Lagoon , particularly around Laulasi Island . His and other ships were kidnapping villagers as workers on plantations,
380-544: A practice known as blackbirding . Captain Mackenzie of the ship Minolta was beheaded by villagers as retribution for the loss of village men during an armed labour "recruiting" drive. The villagers believed that the ship's crew "owed" several more heads before the score was even. In New Zealand, the Maori preserved the heads of some of their ancestors as well as certain enemies in a form known as mokomokai . They removed
475-642: A rich birdlife with more than 490 species. The great Indian hornbill has a place in Naga culture. Blyth's tragopan , a vulnerable species of galliform, is the state bird of Nagaland. It is sighted in Mount Japfü and Dzüko Valley of Kohima District, Satoi range in Zünheboto District and Pfütsero in Phek District . The state is also known as the "falcon capital of the world" thanks to
570-666: A series of violent incidents , that damaged government and civil infrastructure, attacked government officials and civilians. The central government sent the Indian Army in 1955, to restore order. In 1957, an agreement was reached between Naga leaders and the Indian government, creating a single separate region of the Naga Hills . The Tuensang frontier was united with this single political region, Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA), and it became an autonomous area under Sixth Schedule to
665-470: A sight which might have satisfied a savage or a Hill-man, but hardly consistent with the comparatively enlightened tastes, one would think, of Chinese soldiers even of to-day. It is not known how many of the French were killed and wounded; fourteen left their bodies on shore, and no doubt several wounded were taken back to the ships. (Chinese accounts state that twenty were killed and large numbers wounded.) In
760-645: A tower called "Tablja" above Cetinje Monastery . The tower was never finished, and Montenegrins used it to display Turkish heads taken in battle, as they were in frequent conflict with the Ottoman Empire. In 1876 King Nicholas I of Montenegro ordered that the practice should end. He knew that European diplomats considered it to be barbaric. The Tablja was demolished in 1937. Many Chinese soldiers and civilians were beheaded by some Japanese soldiers, who even made contests to see who would kill more people (see Hundred man killing contest ) , and took photos with
855-470: A trophy and proof of killing (achievement in hunting), show of greatness, prestige by taking on a rival's spirit and power, and as a means of securing the services of the victim as a slave in the afterlife. Today's scholars generally agree that headhunting's primary function was ritual and ceremonial. It was part of the process of structuring, reinforcing, and defending hierarchical relationships between communities and individuals. Some experts theorize that
950-700: A truce with the sons of a famous chief, who supported Rentap in not recognizing the government of Brooke due to his policies. The Iban performed a third major migration from upper Batang Ai region in the Batang Lupar region into the Batang Kanyau (Embaloh) onwards the upper Katibas and then to the Baleh/Mujong regions in the upper Batang Rajang region. They displaced the existing tribes of the Kayan, Kajang, Ukit, etc. The Brooke administration sanctioned
1045-485: A warrior's status and prowess. In Southeast Asia, anthropological writings have explored headhunting and other practices of the Murut , Dusun Lotud , Iban , Berawan , Wana and Mappurondo tribes. Among these groups, headhunting was usually a ritual activity rather than an act of war or feuding. A warrior would take a single head. Headhunting acted as a catalyst for the cessation of personal and collective mourning for
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#17327806763671140-437: Is Longleng (50,593). 75% of the population lives in the rural areas. As of 2013, about 10% of rural population is below the poverty line; among the people living in urban areas 4.3% of them are below the poverty line. The state showed a population drop between the 2001 census and the 2011 census, the only state to show a population drop in the census. This has been attributed, by scholars, to incorrect counting in past censuses;
1235-545: Is a mountainous state and lies between the parallels of 95° and 94° eastern longitude and 25.2° and 27.0° latitude north. The high-profile Dzüko Valley is at Viswema , in the southern region of the state. The state has significant resources of natural minerals, petroleum, and hydropower, with the primary sector which is mostly agriculture still accounting for 24.6% of its economy. Other significant activities include forestry , tourism, insurance, real estate, horticulture, and miscellaneous cottage industries . The origin of
1330-613: Is bordered by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, Manipur to the south, and the Naga Self-Administered Zone of the Sagaing Region of Myanmar (Burma) to the east. Its capital city is Kohima and its largest city is the twin Chümoukedima – Dimapur . The state has an area of 16,579 square kilometres (6,401 sq mi) with a population of 1,980,602 as per
1425-486: Is largely rural with 71.14% living in rural regions in 2011. Census reports up to 1951 listed just one settlement in Nagaland as a town, the capital Kohima. The next two settlements, Dimapur and Mokokchung were listed as towns from 1961. Four more towns appeared in 1981, Tuensang , Wokha , Mon and Zünheboto . The relatively slow rate of urbanisation in Nagaland was described in the 1980s as being an effect of (a)
1520-440: Is the practice of hunting a human and collecting the severed head after killing the victim, although sometimes more portable body parts (such as ear , nose , or scalp ) are taken instead as trophies . Headhunting was practiced in historic times in parts of Europe , East Asia , Oceania , Southeast Asia , South Asia , Mesoamerica , South America , West Africa , and Central Africa . The headhunting practice has been
1615-632: Is widely spoken. The major languages spoken as per the 2011 census are Konyak (244,135), Ao (231,084), Lotha (177,488), Angami (151,883), Chokri (91,010), Sangtam (75,841), Bengali (74,753), Zeme (71,954; covering Zeliang , 60,399 and Zemi , 11,165), Yimkhiungrü (74,156), Chang (65,632), Khiamniungan (61,906), Rengma (61,537), Phom (53,674), Nepali (43,481), Kuzhami (34,218), Pochury (21,446), Kuki (18,391), Chakhesang (17,919), Assamese (17,201), Bodo (12,243; covering Bodo 7,372 and Dimasa 4,871), Manipuri (9,511), Sema (8,268), etc. Headhunting Headhunting
1710-763: The Kingdom of Ava under Minkhaung I (1400–1421) in the early 1400s extended till the territories of the Nagas. With the arrival of the British East India Company in the early 19th century, followed by the British Raj , Britain expanded its domain over the whole of South Asia , including the Naga Hills . The first Europeans to enter the hills were Captain Francis Jenkins and Lieutenant Robert Pemberton in 1832. The early contact with
1805-460: The 2011 Census of India , making it one of the least populated states in India. Nagaland consists of 16 administrative districts, inhabited by 17 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character from the other in terms of customs, language and dress. It is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. The earliest recorded history of the Nagas of
1900-849: The American colonial period of the Philippines . Headhunting was a common practice among Taiwanese aborigines . All tribes practiced headhunting except the Yami people , who were previously isolated on Orchid Island , and the Ivatan people . It was associated with the peoples of the Philippines. Taiwanese Plains Aborigines , Han Taiwanese and Japanese settlers were choice victims of headhunting raids by Taiwanese Mountain Aborigines. The latter two groups were considered invaders, liars, and enemies. A headhunting raid would often strike at workers in
1995-961: The Battle of Tamsui in the Keelung Campaign during the Sino-French War on 8 October 1884, the Chinese took prisoners and beheaded 11 French marines who were injured, in addition to La Galissonnière's captain Fontaine. The heads were mounted on bamboo poles and displayed to incite anti-French feelings . In China, pictures of the beheading of the Frenchmen were published in the Tien-shih-tsai Pictorial Journal in Shanghai. A most unmistakable scene in
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#17327806763672090-638: The Indian constitution , a small group did not agree and continued their insurgent activity. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council played an important role by initiating peace efforts in the 1960s. In 2004, two powerful bombs were set off on the same day and struck the Dimapur Railway Station and the Hong Kong Market, resulting in 30 deaths and wounding over 100 others in the deadliest terrorist attack in Nagaland to date. Over
2185-858: The Japanese occupation of British Borneo during the Second World War, headhunting was revived among the natives. The Sukarno-led Indonesian forces fought against the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. Forces of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak fought in addition, and headhunting was observed during the communist insurgency in Sarawak and what was then Malaya. The Iban were noted for headhunting, and were later recognised as good rangers and trackers during military operations, during which they were awarded fourteen medals of valour and honour. Since 1997 serious inter-ethnic violence has erupted on
2280-645: The Naga Club (which later became the Naga National Council ) to the Simon Commission explicitly stated, 'to leave us alone to determine ourselves as in ancient times.' After the independence of India in 1947, the area remained a part of the province of Assam . Nationalist activities arose among a section of the Nagas. Phizo -led Naga National Council demanded a political union of their ancestral and native groups. The movement led to
2375-658: The demigod Cúchulainn beheads the three sons of Nechtan and mounting their heads on his chariot. This is believed to have been a traditional warrior, rather than religious, practice. The practice continued approximately to the end of the Middle Ages among the Irish clans and even later among the Border Reivers of the Anglo-Scottish marches. The pagan religious reasons for headhunting were likely lost after
2470-658: The infant mortality rate amounts to 3 per 1,000 births (2019), on par with the most developed countries. Both health indicators are the best among Indian states. The fertility rate of 1.7 children per woman (2019–21) lies below the population replacement level. The state is home to 15 major native Naga ethnic groups – Angami , Ao , Chakhesang , Chang , Khiamniungan , Konyak , Lotha , Phom , Pochury , Rengma , Sangtam , Sümi , Tikhir , Yimkhiung , Zeme - Liangmai (Zeliang) and two other ethnic groups namely Kuki and Kachari with decent number of community. Some other recent minor tribes or subtribes that can found in
2565-508: The rupee as the currency for economic activity and a system of structured ethnic government that was very different from historic social governance practices. In parallel, since the mid-19th century, Christian missionaries from the United States and Europe , stationed in India, reached into Nagaland and neighbouring states, converting Nagaland's Naga ethnic groups from animism to Christianity. In 1944, during World War II ,
2660-516: The slow loris , Assamese macaque , pig-tailed macaque , stump-tailed macaque , rhesus macaque , capped langur , hoolock gibbon , Himalayan black bear , few sun bear , dhole , occasional Bengal tiger , Indian leopard , clouded leopard , marbled cat , golden cat , Indian elephants , Indian rhinoceros , gaur , red serow , common and leaf muntjac , eastern hog deer , sambar , Chinese pangolin , Malayan porcupine , Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine , and Hoary bamboo rats . Nagaland has
2755-679: The 19th century. Nuristanis in eastern Afghanistan were headhunters until the late 19th century. The Wa people , whose domain straddles the Burma-China border, were once known to Europeans as the "Wild Wa" for their "savage" behavior. Until the 1970s, the Wa practiced headhunting. Several tribes of the Jivaroan group, including the Shuar in Eastern Ecuador and Northern Peru, along
2850-591: The 2011 census in Nagaland is considered most reliable so far. The largest urban agglomerations are centred upon Dimapur (122,834) and Kohima (115,283). Other major towns (and 2011 census populations) are Tuensang (36,774), Mokokchung (35,913), Wokha (35,004), Mon (26,328), Chümoukedima (25,885), Zünheboto (22,633), Kiphire (16,487), Kuda (16,108), Kohima Village (15,734), Phek (14,204), Pfütsero (10,371) and Diphupar 'A' (10,246). The life expectancy of Nagaland stands at 75.4 years, 79.9 years for females and 71.5 years for males (2019–21) while
2945-431: The 5-year period of 2009 to 2013, between 0 and 11 civilians died per year in Nagaland from rebellion related activity (or less than 1 death per 100,000 people), and between 3 and 55 militants died per year in inter-factional killings (or between 0 and 3 deaths per 100,000 people). In early 2017, Nagaland went into a state of civil unrest and protests in response to the announcement to implement 33% women's reservation in
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3040-833: The Angami Nagas. Near the memorial is the Kohima Cathedral , on Aradura Hill , built with funds from the families and friends of deceased Japanese soldiers. Prayers are held in Kohima for peace and in memory of the fallen of both sides of the battle. In 1929, a memorandum was submitted to the Simon Statutory Commission , requesting that the Nagas be exempt from reforms and new taxes proposed in British India , should be left alone to determine their own future. The Naga Memorandum submitted by
3135-1010: The British in Assam. The British India Government took over the holdings of the East Indian Company following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 . The failings and atrocities of the East Indian Company led the British Crown to review its governance structure throughout South Asia including its northeastern region. In 1866, the British India administration established a post at Samaguting with the explicit goal of ending intertribal warfare and tribal raids on property and personnel. In 1869, Captain Butler
3230-552: The Celts' conversion to Christianity, even though the practice continued. In former Celtic areas, cephalophore representations of saints (miraculously carrying their severed heads) were common. Heads were also taken among the Germanic tribes and among Iberians , but the purpose is unknown. The Scythians were excellent horsemen. Ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote that some of their tribes practiced human sacrifice, drinking
3325-688: The Civic Elections. On 4 December 2021, a unit of the 21st Para Special Forces of the Indian Army killed six civilian labourers near Oting Village in the Mon District of Nagaland. Eight more civilians and a soldier were killed in subsequent violence. The incident was widely condemned, with many calling out to repeal and revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act . The most recent Nagaland Legislative Assembly election took place on 27 February 2023 to elect
3420-706: The Constitution of India . It was to be "administered by the Governor as the agent of the President but will be distinct from the North East Frontier Administration". This was not satisfactory to the Nagas, however, and agitation with violence increased across the state – including attacks on army and government institutions, banks, as well as non-payment of taxes. In July 1960, following discussion between Prime Minister Nehru and
3515-836: The Dayak headhunting tradition. The Moluccans (especially Alfurs in Seram ), an ethnic group of mixed Austronesian-Papuan origin living in the Maluku Islands , were fierce headhunters until the Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia suppressed the practice. Headhunting was practiced by many Austronesian people in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands . Headhunting has at one time or another been practiced among most of
3610-612: The Dutch in turn during the Siege of Fort Zeelandia . They defected to Koxinga 's Chinese forces. The Aboriginals (Formosans) of Sincan defected to Koxinga after he offered them amnesty. The Sincan Aboriginals fought for the Chinese and beheaded Dutch people in executions. The frontier aboriginals in the mountains and plains also surrendered and defected to the Chinese on May 17, 1661, celebrating their freedom from compulsory education under Dutch rule. They hunted down Dutch people, beheading them and trashing their Christian school textbooks. At
3705-646: The Hillmen, who are the veriest savages in the treatment of their enemies—to prevent such barbarities. It is said the Chinese buried the dead bodies of the Frenchmen after the engagement on 8th instant by order of General Sun. The Chinese are in possession of a machine gun taken or found on the beach. Han and Taiwanese Aboriginals revolted against the Japanese in the Beipu Uprising in 1907 and Tapani Incident in 1915. The Seediq aboriginals revolted against
3800-408: The Iban was from the Saribas region into the Kanowit area in the middle of the Batang Rajang river, led by the famous Mujah "Buah Raya". They fought and displaced such tribes as the Kanowit and Baketan. Brooke first encountered the headhunting Iban of the Saribas-Skrang in Sarawak at the Battle of Betting Maru in 1849. He gained the signing of the Saribas Treaty with the Iban chief of that region, who
3895-428: The Japanese Army, with the help of the Indian National Army led by Netaji Subhashchandra Bose , invaded through Burma and attempted to take India through Kohima. The population was evacuated. British India soldiers defended the area of Kohima and having lost many of their original force were relieved by British in June 1944. Together the British and Indian troops successfully repelled the Japanese troops. The battle
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3990-430: The Japanese as lesser people , and in response to mutilation and torture of American war dead. In Borneo , retaliation by natives against the Japanese was based on atrocities having been committed by the Imperial Japanese Army in that area. Following their ill treatment by the Japanese, the Dayak of Borneo formed a force to help the Allies. Australian and British special operatives of Z Special Unit developed some of
4085-540: The Japanese in the 1930 Wushe Incident and resurrected the practice of headhunting, beheading Japanese during the revolt. During the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States period , Qin soldiers frequently collected their defeated enemies' heads as a means to accumulate merits. After Shang Yang 's reforms, the Qin armies adopted a meritocracy system that awards the average soldiers, most of whom were conscripted serfs and were not paid, an opportunity to earn promotions and rewards from their superiors by collecting
4180-400: The La Coyotera, Oaxaca site. It is dated to the Proto-Classic Zapotec civilization , which flourished from c. 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Tzompantli are also noted in other Mesoamerican pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Toltec and Mixtec . Based on numbers given by the conquistador Andrés de Tapia and Fray Diego Durán , Bernard Ortiz de Montellano has calculated in
4275-413: The Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the 60 Assembly Constituencies in the state. A voter turnout of 87% was observed in the election. The election created history by electing two women candidates for the first time in Nagaland — Hekani Jakhalu Kense and Salhoutuonuo Kruse . Both candidates were from the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). Salhoutuonuo Kruse later became
4370-416: The Naga ethnic groups was characterised by suspicion and conflict . The colonial interests in Assam, such as managers of tea estates and other trading posts led defensive action against raids from the ethnic groups who were known for their bravery and " head hunting " practices. To put an end to these raids, the British troops recorded 10 military expeditions between 1839 and 1850. In February 1851, at
4465-545: The National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM) was established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1988. Nagaland is home to 396 species of orchids, belonging to 92 genera of which 54 having horticultural and medicinal economic importance. Several preliminary studies indicate significant recoverable reserves of petroleum and natural gas. Limestone, marble and other decorative stone reserves are plentiful, and other as yet unexploited minerals include iron, nickel, chromium, and cobalt. The Nagaland population
4560-421: The Pacific Fleet mandated strong disciplinary action against any soldier who took enemy body parts as souvenirs. But such trophy-hunting persisted: Life published a photograph in its issue of May 22, 1944, of a young woman posing with the autographed skull sent to her by her Navy boyfriend. There was public outrage in the US in response. Historians have suggested that the practice related to Americans viewing
4655-406: The Rajah-led government decree. During expeditions sanctioned by the Brooke administration, they allowed headhunting. The natives who participated in Brooke-approved punitive expeditions were exempted from paying annual tax to the Brooke administration and/or given new territories in return for their service. There were intra-tribal and intertribal headhunting. The most famous Iban warrior to resist
4750-415: The arrival of European colonialism in South Asia, there had been many wars, persecution and raids from Burma on the Nagas, Meiteis and others in India's northeast. The invaders came for " head hunting " and to seek wealth and captives from these tribes and ethnic groups . When the British inquired with Burmese guides about the people living in the northern Himalayas, they were told 'Naka'. This
4845-481: The authority of the Brooke administration was Libau "Rentap". The Brooke government had to send three successive punitive expeditions in order to defeat Rentapi at his fortress on the top of Sadok Hill. Brooke's force suffered major defeats during the first two expeditions. During the third and final expedition, Brooke built a large cannon called Bujang Sadok (Prince of Sadok Mount) to rival Rentap's cannon nicknamed Bujang Timpang Berang (The One Arm Bachelor) and made
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#17327806763674940-406: The blood of victims, scalping their enemies, and drinking wine from the enemies' skulls. The Montenegrins are an ethnic group in Southeastern Europe who are centered around the Dinaric mountains . They practiced headhunting until 1876, allegedly carrying the head from a lock of hair grown specifically for that purpose. In the 1830s, Montenegrin ruler Petar II Petrović-Njegoš started building
5035-425: The bloody Battle of Kikrüma , people died on both the British side and the Kikrüma (Naga) side; in the days after the battle, inter-ethnic warfare followed that led to more bloodshed. After that war, the British adopted a policy of caution and non-interference with Naga ethnic groups. Despite this, colonists continued to move into Naga peoples' territory. Between 1851 and 1865, Naga ethnic groups continued to raid
5130-569: The brain and eyes, and smoked the head, preserving the moko tattoos . The heads were sold to European collectors in the late 1800s, in some instances having been commissioned and "made to order". In the Philippines, headhunting was extensive among the various Cordilleran peoples (also known as "Igorot") of the Luzon highlands. It was tied with rites of passage, rice harvests, religious rituals to ancestor spirits , blood feuds , and indigenous tattooing . Cordilleran tribes used specific weapons for beheading enemies in raids and warfare, specifically
5225-409: The community's dead. Ideas of manhood and marriage were encompassed in the practice, and the taken heads were highly prized. Other reasons for headhunting included capture of enemies as slaves, looting of valuable properties, intra and inter-ethnic conflicts, and territorial expansion. Italian anthropologist and explorer Elio Modigliani visited the headhunting communities in South Nias (an island to
5320-445: The customs, traditions and usage of the respective tribes. Subsequently, Nagaland attained statehood with the enactment of the state of Nagaland Act in 1962 by the Parliament . The interim body was dissolved on 30 November 1963 and the state of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on 1 December 1963 and Kohima was declared as the state capital. After elections in January 1964, the first democratically elected Nagaland Legislative Assembly
5415-466: The dead person's flesh was consumed in ceremonies following the capture and killing. The Korowai , a Papuan tribe in the southeast of Irian Jaya , live in tree houses , some nearly 40 metres (100') high. This was originally believed to be a defensive practice, presumably as protection against the Citak , a tribe of neighbouring headhunters. Some researchers believe that the American Michael Rockefeller , who disappeared in New Guinea in 1961 while on
5510-476: The east of India, and historical records show the present-day Naga people settled before the arrival of the Ahoms in 1228 CE. According to the Burmese chronicles Tagung Yazawin , the first Chaopha of Mongkawng Samlongpha (1150–1201 CE) with the main town in Mogaung captured Naga country in the early 1200s. In the chronicle Naga country is named as "Khang Se". According to the History of Hsenwi state chronicle and Mengguo Zhanbi, in 1318, Si Kefa ,
5605-454: The evening Captain Boteler and Consul Frater called on General Sun, remonstrating with him on the subject of cutting heads off, and allowing them to be exhibited. Consul Frater wrote him a despatch on the subject strongly deprecating such practices, and we understand that the general promised it should not occur again, and orders were at once given to bury the heads. It is difficult for a general even situated as Sun is—having to command troops like
5700-404: The fields, or set a dwelling on fire and then kill and behead those who fled from the burning structure. The practice continued during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan , but ended in the 1930s due to brutal suppression by the Japanese colonial government. The Taiwanese Aboriginal tribes, who were allied with the Dutch against the Chinese during the Guo Huaiyi Rebellion in 1652, turned against
5795-428: The first woman minister of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Twenty per cent of the total land area of the state is covered with wooded forest, a haven for flora and fauna. The evergreen tropical and subtropical forests are found in strategic pockets in the state. Nagaland has a largely monsoon climate with high humidity levels. Annual rainfall averages around 1,800–2,500 millimetres (70–100 in), concentrated in
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#17327806763675890-471: The heads of enemies, a type of body count . In this area, authorities also displayed heads of executed criminals in public spaces up to the early 20th century. The Wa people , a mountain ethnic minority in Southwest China , eastern Myanmar ( Shan State ) and northern Thailand , were once known as the "Wild Wa" by British colonists due to their traditional practice of headhunting. Tom O'Neill wrote: Samurai also sought glory by headhunting. When
5985-410: The hundreds of thousands of Amur falcons that stop at Doyang Reservoir to feast on flying termites on their way from China and Siberia to Africa each year. Mithun (a semi-domesticated gaur ) is the state animal of Nagaland and has been adopted as the official seal of the Government of Nagaland . It is ritually the most valued species in the state. To conserve and protect this animal in the northeast,
6080-404: The island of Kalimantan, involving the indigenous Dayak peoples and immigrants from the island of Madura . Events have included the Sambas riots and Sampit conflict . In 2001, during the Sampit conflict in the Central Kalimantan town of Sampit , at least 500 Madurese were killed and up to 100,000 Madurese were forced to flee. Some Madurese bodies were decapitated in a ritual reminiscent of
6175-533: The items to tourists. It is believed that splinter groups in the local tribes continue with these practices when there is a tribal feud over territory or as revenge for a crime of passion. The Kichwa-Lamista people in Peru used to be headhunters. A tzompantli is a type of wooden rack or palisade documented in several Mesoamerican civilizations. It was used for the public display of human skulls , typically those of war captives or other sacrificial victims . A tzompantli-type structure has been excavated at
6270-481: The largely administrative roles of the towns, except for Dimapur which had a more diversified economy, and (b) a low level of mobility among the tribes of Nagaland, scheduled tribes constituting nearly 90% of the population. The population of Nagaland consists of almost 2.2 million people, consisting of 1.04 million males and 0.95 million females. Among its districts, Kohima has the largest population (270,063) followed by Dimapur (170,000). The least populated district
6365-399: The last migrations of the Iban, and reduced any conflict to a minimum. The Iban conducted sacred ritual ceremonies with special and complex incantations to invoke god's blessings, which were associated with headhunting. An example was the Bird Festival in the Saribas/Skrang region and Proper Festival in the Baleh region, both required for men of the tribes to become effective warriors. During
6460-513: The late 20th century that there were at most 60,000 skulls on the Hueyi Tzompantli (great Skullrack) of Tenochtitlan . There were at least five more skullracks in Tenochtitlan, but, by all accounts, they were much smaller. Other examples are indicated from Maya civilization sites. A particularly fine and intact inscription example survives at the extensive Chichen Itza site. The Nazca used severed heads, known as trophy heads, in various religious rituals. Late Nazca iconography suggests that
6555-405: The leaders of the Naga People Convention (NPC), a 16-point agreement was arrived at whereby the Government of India recognised the formation of Nagaland as a full-fledged state within the Union of India. Accordingly, the territory was placed under the Nagaland Transitional Provisions Regulation, 1961 which provided for an Interim body consisting of 45 members to be elected by tribes according to
6650-403: The market place occurred. Some six heads of Frenchmen, heads of the true French type were exhibited, much to the disgust of foreigners. A few visited the place where they were stuck up, and were glad to leave it—not only on account of the disgusting and barbarous character of the scene, but because the surrounding crowd showed signs of turbulence. At the camp also were eight other Frenchmen's heads,
6745-465: The months of May to September. Temperatures range from 21 to 40 °C (70 to 104 °F). In winter, temperatures do not generally drop below 4 °C (39 °F), but frost is common at high elevations. Summer is the shortest season in the state, lasting only a few months. The temperature during the summer season remains between 16 and 31 °C (61 and 88 °F). Winter often arrives early, with bitter cold and dry weather striking certain regions of
6840-541: The north-western region of the island of Borneo , the first " White Rajah " James Brooke and his descendants established a dynasty. They eradicated headhunting in the hundred years before World War II. Before Brooke's arrival, the Iban had migrated from the middle Kapuas region into the upper Batang Lupar river region by fighting and displacing the small existing tribes, such as the Seru and Bukitan. Another successful migration by
6935-561: The peoples of Melanesia , including New Guinea . A missionary found 10,000 skulls in a community longhouse on Goaribari Island in 1901. Historically, the Marind-anim in New Guinea were famed because of their headhunting. The practice was rooted in their belief system and linked to the name-giving of the newborn. The skull was believed to contain a mana -like force. Headhunting was not motivated primarily by cannibalism, but
7030-580: The piles of heads as souvenirs. During World War II, Allied (specifically including American) troops occasionally collected the skulls of dead Japanese as personal trophies, as souvenirs for friends and family at home, and for sale to others. (The practice was unique to the Pacific theater ; United States forces did not take skulls of German and Italian soldiers.) In September 1942, the Commander in Chief of
7125-475: The practice stemmed from the belief that the head contained " soul matter" or life force, which could be harnessed through its capture. Among the various Austronesian peoples , head-hunting raids were strongly tied to the practice of tattooing . In head-hunting societies, tattoos were records of how many heads the warriors had taken in battle, and was part of the initiation rites into adulthood. The number and location of tattoos, therefore, were indicative of
7220-732: The present-day Nagaland dates back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, the British India forces began expanding their influence in Northeast India , including the Naga Hills . After India's independence in 1947, the question of the Naga Hills' political status emerged. Nagaland was a district in the State of Assam until 1957, known to others as "The Naga Hills". The Naga National Council , led by Zapu Phizo , demanded an independent Naga state and launched an armed insurgency. The Indian Government , however, maintained that Nagaland
7315-499: The prestige of the leaders of Late Nazca society was enhanced by successful headhunting. The Celts of Europe practiced headhunting as the head was believed to house a person's soul. Ancient Romans and Greeks recorded the Celts' habits of nailing heads of personal enemies to walls or dangling them from the necks of horses. The Celtic Gaels practiced headhunting a great deal longer. In the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology ,
7410-518: The rivers Chinchipe , Bobonaza , Morona , Upano , and Pastaza , main tributaries of the Amazon , practiced headhunting for trophies. The heads were shrunk , and were known locally as Tzan-Tzas . The people believed that the head housed the soul of the person killed. In the 21st century, the Shuar produce Tzan-tza replicas. They use their traditional process on heads of monkeys and sloths , selling
7505-539: The ruler of Mongmao appointed his brother Sanlongfa as the general and led an army of 90,000 to attack the king of Mong Wehsali Long ( Assam). In the end, he designed a plan to make Mong Wehsali Long surrender and pay tribute every 3 years. Hkum Sam Long accepted the terms made by the ministers of Mong Wehsali Long and marched back to Mongmao . In Yan-aung-myin Pagoda inscription found in Pinya of Myanmar mentions that
7600-586: The southwest part of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi . Heads are not taken; instead, surrogate heads in the form of coconuts are used in a ritual ceremony. The ritual, called pangngae, takes place at the conclusion of the rice-harvesting season. It functions to bring an end to communal mourning for the deceased of the past year; express intercultural tensions and polemics; allow for a display of manhood; distribute communal resources; and resist outside pressures to abandon Mappurondo ways of life. In Sarawak ,
7695-441: The state are Garo , Karbi , Chirr , Makury , and Rongmei . There are also sizeable populations of non-native communities like Bengalis , Marwaris , Nepalis , Punjabis and others living mostly around Dimapur City . Languages of Nagaland in 2011 Naga people form the majority of the population. According to the 2011 census there are 2 million people living in Nagaland. The Naga people number around 1.8 million in
7790-554: The state, constituting over 90% of the population. These belong mostly to the Sino-Tibetan language family . Shafer came up with his own classification system for languages found in and around Nagaland. In 1967, the Nagaland Assembly proclaimed Indian English as the official language of Nagaland and it is the medium for education in Nagaland. Other than English, Nagamese , a creole language based on Assamese ,
7885-700: The state. The maximum average temperature recorded in the winter season is 24 °C (75 °F). Strong northwest winds blow across the state during the months of February and March. About one-sixth of Nagaland is covered by tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests—including palms, bamboo, rattan as well as timber and mahogany forests. While some forest areas have been cleared for jhum cultivation , many scrub forests, rainforests, tall grassland, and reed-grass marshes remain. Ntangki National Park , Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary , Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and Rangapahar Reserve Forest are some natural reserves in Nagaland. Some noteworthy mammals found in Nagaland include
7980-465: The stockade looted. This violence led to a determined effort by the British Raj to return and respond. The subsequent defeat of Khonoma marked the end of serious and persistent ultimatums in the Naga Hills. Between 1880 and 1922, the British administration consolidated their position over a large area of the Naga Hills and integrated it into its Assam operations. The British administration enforced
8075-417: The subject of intense study within the anthropological community , where scholars try to assess and interpret its social roles , functions , and motivations. Anthropological writings explore themes in headhunting that include mortification of the rival, ritual violence , cosmological balance, the display of manhood , cannibalism , dominance over the body and soul of his enemies in life and afterlife, as
8170-466: The uniquely shaped head axes and various swords and knives. Though some Cordilleran tribes living near Christianized lowlanders during the Spanish colonial period had already abandoned the practice by the 19th century, they were still rampant in more remote areas beyond the reach of Spanish colonial authorities. The practices were finally suppressed in the early 20th century by the United States during
8265-496: The west of Sumatra) in 1886; he wrote a detailed study of their society and beliefs. He found that the main purpose of headhunting was the belief that, if a man owned another person's skull, his victim would serve as a slave of the owner for eternity in the afterlife. Human skulls were a valuable commodity. Sporadic headhunting continued in Nias island until the late 20th century, the last reported incident dating from 1998. Headhunting
8360-487: The word 'Naga' is unclear. The present day Naga people have historically been referred to by many names, like "Noga" or "Naka" by the inhabitants of the Ahom kingdom in what is now considered as Assam which means "naked", "Hao" by Meitei people of Imphal Valley and "Nakas" or 'Naga' by Burmese of what is now considered as Myanmar meaning "people with earrings", while others suggest it means pierced noses. Before
8455-615: Was an integral part of the Indian Union. The conflict between the Naga National Council and the Indian Government resulted in a protracted insurgency . The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on 1 December 1963, as the 16th state of the Indian Union, and a democratically elected government took office in 1964. Nagaland is home to a rich variety of natural, cultural, and environmental resources. It
8550-476: Was appointed to lead and consolidate the British presence in the Nagaland Hills. In 1878, the headquarters were transferred to Kohima — creating a city that remains an important center of administration, commerce, and culture for Nagaland. On 4 October 1879, British political agent G. H. Damant went to Khonoma with troops, where he was shot dead with 35 of his team. Kohima was subsequently attacked and
8645-430: Was constituted on 11 February 1964. The rebel activity continued in many Naga inhabited areas both in India and Burma. Ceasefires were announced and negotiations continued, but this did little to stop the violence. In March 1975, a direct presidential rule was imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the state. In November 1975, some leaders of the largest rebel groups agreed to lay down their arms and accept
8740-725: Was fought from 4 April to 22 June 1944 from the town of Kohima, coordinated with action at Imphal , Manipur. The Indian National Army lost half their numbers, many through starvation, and were forced to withdraw through Burma. There is the World War II Cemetery, and the War Museum, in honour of those who died during World War II during the fighting between the British Empire and Japanese troops. Nearly 4,000 British Empire troops died, along with 3,000 Japanese. Many of those who died were Naga people, particularly
8835-517: Was named Orang Kaya Pemancha Dana "Bayang". Subsequently, the Brooke dynasty expanded their territory from the first small Sarawak region to the present-day state of Sarawak. They enlisted the Malay, Iban, and other natives as a large unpaid force to defeat and pacify any rebellions in the states. The Brooke administration prohibited headhunting ( ngayau in Iban language) and issued penalties for disobeying
8930-466: Was practiced among Sumba people until the early 20th century. It was done only in large war parties. When the men hunted wild animals, by contrast, they operated in silence and secrecy. The skulls collected were hung on the skull tree erected in the center of village. Kenneth George wrote about annual headhunting rituals that he observed among the Mappurondo religious minority, an upland tribe in
9025-433: Was recorded as 'Naga' and has been in use thereafter. The ancient history of the Nagas is unclear. Ethnic groups migrated at different times, each settling in the northeastern part of present India and establishing their respective sovereign mountain terrains and village states. There are no records of whether they came from the northern Mongolian region, southeast Asia, or southwest China, except that their origins are from
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