Naga People

The Naga People are a collection of ethnic groups living in northeastern India and north-western Myanmar (Burma) that share common cultures. Together they are the population majority in the Indian state of Nagaland and other Indian and Burmese areas. Each tribal group speaks a Naga language that loosely connects them but is not fully understood by all. Over time Naga became their accepted name especially as it was used by the British. The Nagas were headhunters who believed head taking was a sign of courage and the heads increased both their individual and collective powers. Naga villages were often hilltop outlooks from which they raided villages below them, and their tribal culture was gradually altered by Christian missionaries beginning near the end of the 19th century. The Naga generally secluded themselves from others until near the middle of the 20th century, and they still have excellent artistic skills using a large variety of materials – shell, wood, stone, glass, horn, tusks, bone, teeth and metal – that they produce in a variety of colors. They also weave clothing with colorful patterns and produce fine beadwork in complex patterns. We feature conch shell Naga ear ring-like ear covers that usually are made using two main black stippled designs on the white conch shells. One depicts a frontal male in an upright wide stance with his arms, hands and fingers up and to the sides and the other depicts a bison head and curved horns that is so important to the Nagas survival.