AO NAGA
Mokokchung district in Nagaland is considered as the home of the Ao Naga tribe. The first Naga tribe to embrace Christianity was from the Ao tribe and in the process, the Ao became the pioneering tribe among the Nagas in many fields.
The six distinct hill ranges dividing the Ao Naga which is more or less parallel to each other and in the south-east direction. These are the following ranges,
1. Tzurangkong Range - They lay adjoining the plains of Assam mostly along the valley of Dissai and Jhansi rivers just before they flow into the plains of Assam. The hillocks are densely covered with bamboos and the climate of the entire range is warm.
2. Japukong Range - It is the outermost range stretching from North-east to South-west lying to the interior south of Tzurangkong Range.
3. Chankokong Range - This is a parallel range eat of the Japukoong Range. The Changki village was said to be founded by a name Changki, and so the range too was named after him as Changkikong.
4. Asetkong Range - It is a central range running from east to west but compared to the other ranges, it is the shortest one. This range lies between Melak and Menung rivers, and therefore, it resembles an island. Hence, the name Asetkong (Aset meaning island).
5. Langpangkong Range - It is the easternmost range skirting along the course of Dikhu River. The river forms a natural boundary line of Mokokchung with Tuensang and Mon districts. This range is spread like a bed and so the name has been aptly given to this range.
6. Onpangkong Range - It is the southern-most range forming an irregular boundary of the Ao area with that of the Lothas and Semas to the South and with the Sangtams to the east. It is called Onpangkong as the land is higher and cooler than the other ranges.
* The Ao Naga tribes speak three languages - Chungli, Mongsen, and Changki. Chungli Ao and Mongsen Ao are spoken in the majority of the Ao villages whereas Changki speakers from the minor speakers.
The Ao alphabet is based on the Latin script and was developed in the 1880s by the Christian missionary Edward W Clark for Chungli Ao. The system is not based on phonemic principles and does not present tone. A Christian Bible was published using the orthography in 1964.
* Festival celebrated by the Ao Naga.
Moatsü : The Moatsü festival is celebrated during the first week of May every year. It is celebrated after the sowing of field is done. The early customary practice of the forefathers was competing in making the best rice-beer and rearing the best possible pigs and cows to be slaughtered during the festival.
Tsüngremong : It is celebrated during the 1st week of August every year in different part of Mokokchung district. A pre-harvest festival to seek God's blessing for a rich harvest, which is marked by the pageantry of songs and dances by young and old and community feast.
* Trending Naga
To know more about Ao Tribe is by visiting the home of Ao Naga Tribe Mokokchung. Here are some well know places you can explore.
1. Longkhum - It is to be believed that visiting Longkhum once is not enough, you have to return to get back your soul which was left behind. But such is the beauty of Longkhum that returning will not be a problem.
2. Ungma Village - The second largest village in Nagaland and oldest and largest of Ao tribe. It is believed to be the birth tribe of Ao tribe. We can find the natives Ao cultures and traditions preserved there.
3. Molung village - The first village for bringing up of Christian Naga, situated in the Changkikong Range. We will find the famous Leechi tree planted by the first missionary in Nagaland.
4. Chuchuyimlang village- The village is well known for its celebrations of various tribal festivals like the famous Moatsü festival and the best of natural beauty.
5. Lanpangkong caves - It is believed that the Langpangkong caves gave shelter to an Ahom king back then, who fled from Sibsagar in Assam following a royal tussle. Now it is a tourist attraction and best places to visit in Mokokchung.
* Trending Naga
To know more about Ao Tribe is by visiting the home of Ao Naga Tribe Mokokchung. Here are some well know places you can explore.
1. Longkhum - It is to be believed that visiting Longkhum once is not enough, you have to return to get back your soul which was left behind. But such is the beauty of Longkhum that returning will not be a problem.
2. Ungma Village - The second largest village in Nagaland and oldest and largest of Ao tribe. It is believed to be the birth tribe of Ao tribe. We can find the natives Ao cultures and traditions preserved there.
3. Molung village - The first village for bringing up of Christian Naga, situated in the Changkikong Range. We will find the famous Leechi tree planted by the first missionary in Nagaland.
4. Chuchuyimlang village- The village is well known for its celebrations of various tribal festivals like the famous Moatsü festival and the best of natural beauty.
5. Lanpangkong caves - It is believed that the Langpangkong caves gave shelter to an Ahom king back then, who fled from Sibsagar in Assam following a royal tussle. Now it is a tourist attraction and best places to visit in Mokokchung.
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