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{{Short description|Major Naga ethnic group}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}} | {{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}} | ||
{{Infobox ethnic group | {{Infobox ethnic group | ||
| group = Ao | | group = Ao Naga | ||
| image = | | image = Ao Naga lady in her traditional attire.jpg | ||
| image_caption = Ao | | image_caption = Ao Naga lady in her traditional attire | ||
| popplace = {{flag|India}} | | popplace = {{flag|India}} | ||
| region1 = [[Nagaland]] | | region1 = [[Nagaland]] | ||
| pop1 = 226, | | pop1 = 226,626 | ||
| ref1 = <ref name="census">{{cite web|title=A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Government of India|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref> | | ref1 = <ref name="census">{{cite web|title=A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Government of India|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref> | ||
| languages = [[Ao language]] ([[Mongsen Ao language|Mongsen]], [[Chungli Ao language|Chungli]]) | | languages = [[Ao language]] ([[Mongsen Ao language|Mongsen]], [[Chungli Ao language|Chungli]], [[Changki Ao language|Changki]]) | ||
| religions = [[Animism]] (historical), [[Protestantism]] (chiefly [[Baptist]]) | | religions = [[Animism]] (historical), [[Protestantism]] (chiefly [[Baptist]]) | ||
| related = Other [[Naga people]] | | related = Other [[Naga people]] | ||
| footnotes = | | footnotes = | ||
| native_name = | | native_name = | ||
| native_name_lang = | | native_name_lang = | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Naga people}} | |||
[[ | The '''Aos''' are a major [[Naga people|Naga]] [[ethnic group]] native to [[Mokokchung District]] of [[Nagaland]] in [[Northeast India]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mills |first1=JP |title=Ao Nagas (1926)}}</ref> Their main territory is from Tsüla (Dikhu) Valley in the east to Tsürang (Disai) Valley in the west in Mokokchung District. | ||
The '''Ao Nagas''' | The '''Ao Nagas''' refer to themselves as '''''Aoer''''', which means "those who came" from across the [[Dikhow River|Dikhu river]].<ref name="Dhanaraju">{{Cite journal|last=Dhanaraju|first=Dr. Vulli|date=2019|title=Cultural History of Beliefs and Rituals: A Study of Ao-Naga Tribe of Nagaland, India|url=https://journals.eduindex.org/index.php/hrj/article/view/8713/4569|journal=History Research Journal|volume=5}}</ref> | ||
They were the first tribe of Nagas to be converted to [[Christianity]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Akash |date=2023-09-28 |title=The First People Who Adopted Christianity in Nagaland |url=https://www.northeastbullet.com/christianity-in-nagaland/ |access-date=2025-06-19 |language=en-US}}</ref> and by virtue of this development, the Aos availed themselves of the Western education that came along with Christianity. Christianity first entered into the Ao territory when an American Baptist missionary, [[Edward Winter Clark]], reached an Ao village called Molungkimong in 1872.According to Edwin W. Clark's accounts, when he first set foot in Mulong village in 1872, Mulong, which was under the protectorate of [[Chungtia]], had to seek permission from the latter for his stay which was promptly allowed by Chungtia village. Subsequently, he went on to spread Christianity all over Nagaland.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}} | |||
== Distribution == | == Distribution == | ||
The total population of Ao Nagas in Nagaland is | The total population of Ao Nagas in Nagaland is approximately 227,000 according to the 2011 census. Ao Nagas are primarily found in the northern part of Nagaland, mostly in the [[Mokokchung District]] and fewer in the adjacent [[Assam]] state. Inhabitants of Ao descents are also found in [[Dimapur]], [[Chümoukedima district|Chümoukedima]] and various other parts of the state. | ||
=== | ===Tzürangkong Range=== | ||
They lay adjoining the plains of ''Assam'' mostly along the valley of ''Dissai'' and ''Jhanzi'' rivers just before they flow into the plains of ''Assam''. These hillocks are densely covered with bamboos and the climate of the entire range is warm. | They lay adjoining the plains of ''Assam'' mostly along the valley of ''Dissai'' and ''Jhanzi'' rivers just before they flow into the plains of ''Assam''. These hillocks are densely covered with bamboos and the climate of the entire range is warm. | ||
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===Langpangkong Range=== | ===Langpangkong Range=== | ||
{{Main|Langpangkong Range}} | {{Main|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 District|Tuensang]] and [[ | It is the easternmost range skirting along the course of ''Dikhu River''. The river forms a natural boundary line of ''Mokokchung'' with [[Tuensang District|Tuensang]] and [[Longleng district|Longleng]] districts. This range is spread like a bed and so the name has been aptly given to this range. ''(Langpang means bed)'' | ||
===Onpangkong Range=== | ===Onpangkong Range=== | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
==Culture== | ==Culture== | ||
===Festivals=== | |||
[[File:Ao Naga Log Drum.jpg|thumb|Ao Naga Ceremonial Log Drum]] | |||
====Moatsü Festival==== | |||
{{main|Moatsü}} | |||
The Moatsü Festival (Sowing Festival) is observed in the first week of May every year, after the sowing is done. The festival provides a period of recreation and entertainment after the stressful work of clearing fields, burning jungles and sowing seeds.<ref name="Mokokchung">{{Cite web|url=https://mokokchung.nic.in/culture-heritage/|title=Culture & Heritage|publisher=Govt of Nagaland}}</ref> | |||
====Tsüngremmong Festival==== | |||
The Tsüngremmong Festival (Harvest Festival) is the biggest festival of the community and is celebrated immediately after the harvest of the crop. The festival is typically held in August and is marked by offering prayers to God, singing, dancing and feasting.<ref name="Mokokchung"/> | |||
===Religion=== | ===Religion=== | ||
The traditional | The traditional religion is [[Animism|animist]], holding that spirits, both benevolent and malicious, must be appealed to and placated through ceremony and sacrifice. Among the Ao deities, ''Lichaba'', the [[Creator deity|creator]], is revered most highly.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Jamir |first=P. Supong |date=2016 |title=The Ao Naga Traditional Indigenous and Religious Beliefs |url=http://fac.ac.in/facj/01-FACJ-6-2016.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Fazl Ali College Journal |volume=6}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=March 2025}} | ||
[[Edwin W. Clark]], an American missionary traveled to Nagaland in 1872 with the intention to carry out missionary work in the country. Clark approached his work among the Ao as a [[civilizing mission]], seeking to replace traditional culture and language with that of the West.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} The first family to | [[Edwin W. Clark]], an American missionary traveled to Nagaland in 1872 with the intention to carry out missionary work in the country. Clark approached his work among the Ao as a [[civilizing mission]], seeking to replace traditional culture and language with that of the West.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} The first family to convert to Christianity was the "Aier" family.<ref>naga_family_records_2010</ref> | ||
Since the 19th century, the majority of Ao have converted to Christianity. Many Ao people, however continue to practice traditional animist festivals and rituals removed from their religious contexts.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} | Since the 19th century, the majority of Ao have converted to Christianity. Many Ao people, however continue to practice traditional animist festivals and rituals removed from their religious contexts.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} | ||
===Cuisine=== | ===Cuisine=== | ||
Traditional Ao cuisine is characteristically non-vegetarian food, preferably cooked by boiling instead of frying. Pork meat is the most popular meat and mostly cooked with fermented bamboo shoots. Food flavors are enhanced through local herbal ingredients and spices. Ao cuisine tends to be spicy in nature.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bhardwaj |first=Sushma|title=Exotic Cuisine of Nagaland: Methods of Cooking and the Medicinal Value of Their Edible Flora and Fauna|url=http://journals.du.ac.in/ugresearch/pdf/J22.pdf|journal=DU Journal of Undergraduate Research and Innovation}}</ref> | Traditional Ao cuisine is characteristically non-vegetarian food, preferably cooked by boiling instead of frying. Pork meat is the most popular meat and mostly cooked with fermented bamboo shoots. Food flavors are enhanced through local herbal ingredients and spices. Ao cuisine tends to be spicy in nature.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bhardwaj |first=Sushma|title=Exotic Cuisine of Nagaland: Methods of Cooking and the Medicinal Value of Their Edible Flora and Fauna|url=http://journals.du.ac.in/ugresearch/pdf/J22.pdf|journal=DU Journal of Undergraduate Research and Innovation}}</ref> A signature food item of the Aos is Anishi, a dried paste made from taro leaves. It adds a distinct smoky flavor and deep black color to dishes. | ||
===Handicrafts=== | ===Handicrafts=== | ||
| Line 77: | Line 80: | ||
'''Metal Work''' consisting of agricultural implements, ornaments, weapons for hunting and war, like spears and the [[Dao (Naga sword)]].<ref name="Mokokchung1"/> | '''Metal Work''' consisting of agricultural implements, ornaments, weapons for hunting and war, like spears and the [[Dao (Naga sword)]].<ref name="Mokokchung1"/> | ||
== Notable people == | |||
* [[L. Kijungluba Ao]] (1906–97), Baptist Missionary | |||
* [[Longri Ao]] (1906–1981) Missionary to the [[Konyak Naga]]s | |||
* [[Mayangnokcha Ao]] (1901–1988), Educationist and Writer | |||
* [[P. Shilu Ao]] (1916–1988), First Chief Minister of the Indian state of Nagaland | |||
* [[Talimeren Ao]] (1918–1988), Footballer | |||
* [[Temsüla Ao]], Writer and Ethnographer | |||
* [[T. Senka Ao]] (born 1945), Journalist | |||
* [[Monalisa Changkija]], Author and Journalist | |||
* [[Metsübo Jamir]] (born 1959), Politician | |||
* [[Piyong Temjen Jamir]], Scholar | |||
* [[S. C. Jamir]] (born 1931), Former Chief Minister of the Indian State of Nagaland and Former Governor of Indian States of [[Maharashtra]] and [[Odisha]] | |||
* [[P. Kilemsungla]] (born 1951), Educationist | |||
* [[Imtikümzük Longkümer]] (1967–2018), Politician | |||
* [[Sharingain Longkümer]] (born 1981), Politician | |||
* [[Temjen Imna Along|Temjen Imna Along Longkümer]] (born 1980), Politician | |||
* [[Macnivil]] (born 1992), Rapper and Recording Artist | |||
* [[Tongpang Ozüküm]] (born 1981), Politician | |||
== Gallery == | |||
<gallery> | |||
File: Aos 2219b.jpg|Ao Naga woman in traditional attire | |||
File:Ao tribesman at his village for festival celebration Nagaland India.jpg|Ao Naga man in [[Chuchuyimlang]] village | |||
</gallery> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Ao language]] | * [[Ao language]] | ||
* [[Naga people]] | * [[Naga people]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Tsüngkotepsü]] (The Ao Naga Shawl) | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| Line 96: | Line 124: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Ao Naga}} | |||
{{Naga tribes}} | {{Naga tribes}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:00, 28 March 2026
 Ao Naga lady in her traditional attire | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 India | |
| Nagaland | 226,626[1] |
| Languages | |
| Ao language (Mongsen, Chungli, Changki) | |
| Religion | |
| Animism (historical), Protestantism (chiefly Baptist) | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Naga people | |
The Aos are a major Naga ethnic group native to Mokokchung District of Nagaland in Northeast India.[2] Their main territory is from Tsüla (Dikhu) Valley in the east to Tsürang (Disai) Valley in the west in Mokokchung District.
The Ao Nagas refer to themselves as Aoer, which means "those who came" from across the Dikhu river.[3]
They were the first tribe of Nagas to be converted to Christianity,[4] and by virtue of this development, the Aos availed themselves of the Western education that came along with Christianity. Christianity first entered into the Ao territory when an American Baptist missionary, Edward Winter Clark, reached an Ao village called Molungkimong in 1872.According to Edwin W. Clark's accounts, when he first set foot in Mulong village in 1872, Mulong, which was under the protectorate of Chungtia, had to seek permission from the latter for his stay which was promptly allowed by Chungtia village. Subsequently, he went on to spread Christianity all over Nagaland.[citation needed]
Distribution[edit | edit source]
The total population of Ao Nagas in Nagaland is approximately 227,000 according to the 2011 census. Ao Nagas are primarily found in the northern part of Nagaland, mostly in the Mokokchung District and fewer in the adjacent Assam state. Inhabitants of Ao descents are also found in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and various other parts of the state.
Tzürangkong Range[edit | edit source]
They lay adjoining the plains of Assam mostly along the valley of Dissai and Jhanzi rivers just before they flow into the plains of Assam. These hillocks are densely covered with bamboos and the climate of the entire range is warm.
Japukong Range[edit | edit source]
It is the outermost range stretching from north-east to south-west lying to the interior south of Tzurangkong Range.
Jangpetkong Range[edit | edit source]
This is a parallel range east of the Japukong Range.
Asetkong Range[edit | edit source]
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)
Langpangkong Range[edit | edit source]
It is the easternmost range skirting along the course of Dikhu River. The river forms a natural boundary line of Mokokchung with Tuensang and Longleng districts. This range is spread like a bed and so the name has been aptly given to this range. (Langpang means bed)
Onpangkong Range[edit | edit source]
It is the southernmost 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 Ongpangkong as the land is higher and cooler than the other ranges. (Ongpang means higher)
Culture[edit | edit source]
Festivals[edit | edit source]
Moatsü Festival[edit | edit source]
The Moatsü Festival (Sowing Festival) is observed in the first week of May every year, after the sowing is done. The festival provides a period of recreation and entertainment after the stressful work of clearing fields, burning jungles and sowing seeds.[5]
Tsüngremmong Festival[edit | edit source]
The Tsüngremmong Festival (Harvest Festival) is the biggest festival of the community and is celebrated immediately after the harvest of the crop. The festival is typically held in August and is marked by offering prayers to God, singing, dancing and feasting.[5]
Religion[edit | edit source]
The traditional religion is animist, holding that spirits, both benevolent and malicious, must be appealed to and placated through ceremony and sacrifice. Among the Ao deities, Lichaba, the creator, is revered most highly.[6][better source needed]
Edwin W. Clark, an American missionary traveled to Nagaland in 1872 with the intention to carry out missionary work in the country. Clark approached his work among the Ao as a civilizing mission, seeking to replace traditional culture and language with that of the West.[citation needed] The first family to convert to Christianity was the "Aier" family.[7]
Since the 19th century, the majority of Ao have converted to Christianity. Many Ao people, however continue to practice traditional animist festivals and rituals removed from their religious contexts.[citation needed]
Cuisine[edit | edit source]
Traditional Ao cuisine is characteristically non-vegetarian food, preferably cooked by boiling instead of frying. Pork meat is the most popular meat and mostly cooked with fermented bamboo shoots. Food flavors are enhanced through local herbal ingredients and spices. Ao cuisine tends to be spicy in nature.[8] A signature food item of the Aos is Anishi, a dried paste made from taro leaves. It adds a distinct smoky flavor and deep black color to dishes.
Handicrafts[edit | edit source]
Weaving is traditionally done by the women who design and weave exquisite patterns in their shawls, sling bags, headgears and wraparound garments (commonly called Mekhala).[9]
Cane and bamboo products are used for making mats, basketry, mugs and plates, sofas, head bands, leg guards, bangles, neck bands, necklace, armlets, leggings, Fish Traps and Fish Baskets etc.[9]
Wood Carvings of human beings, hornbill, mithun head, elephants, tiger and other animals which are displayed at the entrance of the village gates or front doors or porch of the houses.[9]
Traditional Ornaments worn by both men and women specially during festive occasions, including necklaces, earrings, armlets and bracelets and headgears etc. These are usually made out of beads, brass, bones and horns of animals, boar’s teeth, ivory, shells and precious stones and metals.[9]
Pottery used for cooking and storing water and other items and are made out of a special type of soils/clay.[9]
Metal Work consisting of agricultural implements, ornaments, weapons for hunting and war, like spears and the Dao (Naga sword).[9]
Notable people[edit | edit source]
- L. Kijungluba Ao (1906–97), Baptist Missionary
- Longri Ao (1906–1981) Missionary to the Konyak Nagas
- Mayangnokcha Ao (1901–1988), Educationist and Writer
- P. Shilu Ao (1916–1988), First Chief Minister of the Indian state of Nagaland
- Talimeren Ao (1918–1988), Footballer
- Temsüla Ao, Writer and Ethnographer
- T. Senka Ao (born 1945), Journalist
- Monalisa Changkija, Author and Journalist
- Metsübo Jamir (born 1959), Politician
- Piyong Temjen Jamir, Scholar
- S. C. Jamir (born 1931), Former Chief Minister of the Indian State of Nagaland and Former Governor of Indian States of Maharashtra and Odisha
- P. Kilemsungla (born 1951), Educationist
- Imtikümzük Longkümer (1967–2018), Politician
- Sharingain Longkümer (born 1981), Politician
- Temjen Imna Along Longkümer (born 1980), Politician
- Macnivil (born 1992), Rapper and Recording Artist
- Tongpang Ozüküm (born 1981), Politician
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Ao Naga woman in traditional attire -
Ao Naga man in Chuchuyimlang village
See also[edit | edit source]
- Ao language
- Naga people
- Tsüngkotepsü (The Ao Naga Shawl)
Bibliography[edit | edit source]
- Mills, J. P. (1926). The Ao Nagas. London: Macmillan and Co.
- Smith, William C. (2002). The Ao-Naga tribe of Assam. New Delhi: Mittal.
- Oppitz, Michael, Thomas Kaiser, Alban von Stockhausen & Marion Wettstein. 2008. Naga Identities: Changing Local Cultures in the Northeast of India. Gent: Snoeck Publishers.
- Kunz, Richard & Vibha Joshi. 2008. Naga – A Forgotten Mountain Region Rediscovered. Basel: Merian.
- von Stockhausen, Alban. 2014. Imag(in)ing the Nagas: The Pictorial Ethnography of Hans-Eberhard Kauffmann and Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf. Arnoldsche, Stuttgart, ISBN 978-3-89790-412-5.
- Wettstein, Marion. 2014. Naga Textiles: Design, Technique, Meaning and Effect of a Local Craft Tradition in Northeast India. Arnoldsche, Stuttgart, ISBN 978-3-89790-419-4.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix". censusindia.gov.in. Government of India. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
- ↑ Mills, JP. Ao Nagas (1926).
- ↑ Dhanaraju, Dr. Vulli (2019). "Cultural History of Beliefs and Rituals: A Study of Ao-Naga Tribe of Nagaland, India". History Research Journal. 5.
- ↑ Akash (28 September 2023). "The First People Who Adopted Christianity in Nagaland". Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Culture & Heritage". Govt of Nagaland.
- ↑ Jamir, P. Supong (2016). "The Ao Naga Traditional Indigenous and Religious Beliefs" (PDF). Fazl Ali College Journal. 6.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ naga_family_records_2010
- ↑ Bhardwaj, Sushma. "Exotic Cuisine of Nagaland: Methods of Cooking and the Medicinal Value of Their Edible Flora and Fauna" (PDF). DU Journal of Undergraduate Research and Innovation.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 "Handicraft". Govt of Nagaland.
