Residence of an Angh (village chief)

A Konyak tribal with a tatooed face.

The Konyak Naga tribe is considered as one among the fiercest tribes in the world. You will know it when you look at their tatooed faces, arms and legs. Adrenalin pumps up when you see them in their traditional costumes, performing their energetic dances.

Fact Files
 

- Aoleang Monyu is the most important festival of the Konyaks.
 

 

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Mon District is the permanent home of the Konyak Nagas. Mon town, the district headquarters, is situated at an altitude of 897.64 meters above sea-level. It is about 357 kms. from Kohima, the state capital. Even though a civil administration runs the day-to-day affairs of the district, Mon district is actually ruled by tribal chiefs called Anghs. These Anghs control different areas of Mon district. Basically, the word of an Angh is law in these parts. Nobody questions his authority. Mon is the only district in Nagaland to have this unique institution of Anghship. His succession is hereditary in nature.

A young Konyak couple in traditional costume.

The wizardry of Konyak blacksmiths are well-known over the region. They fashion tools and weapons made of metal. Spears, däos and even guns are locally-made using rudimentary tools. In the olden days, the Konyaks used to barter their hand-made products with the people of nearby Assam. Even now, their handiwork is much sought-after by all the other Naga tribes because of their overall design and durability.

The Konyaks are arguably the best in metal works among the Nagas.
Places of Interest in Mon District

Veda Peak:
The highest peak in Mon district is the Veda Peak. It is located about 70 kms east of Mon town. Standing atop this peak, one can have a clear view of the rivers of Brahmaputra (in India) and Chindwin (in Myanmar). A beautiful waterfall runs nearby this peak making it one of the best locations of scenic beauty in Mon district.

Shangnyu Village:
One of the most prominent villages of Mon district is the Shangnyu village. Within the precincts of this village stands an 8-foot high and 12-foot wide wooden monument. Engravings of humans and other creatures have been intricately carved out. This monumental work of art stands testimony to the skills of the Konyak craftsmen. Folk belief has it that this monument had been created by angels.
In front of the Angh's residence, there are several commemorative stones speaking out a history of the past. Historical records show that there were friendly relations between the Angh of Shangnyu village and the Ahom Kings of Assam.

Longwa Village:
This village is one of the biggest in Mon district. There is a unique feature in this village. It concerns the Angh's residence. One half of his residence lies on Indian territory and other half on Myanmar. The jurisdiction of the Angh of Longwa extends upto some parts of Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh.

Naganimora:
In 1907, the British East India Company founded the only coalfield at Borjan near Naganimora. Formerly known as Lakhan, the town of Naganimora also has a unique history. According to Konyak legend, there was a Konyak Naga Queen named Watlong Konyak, who married an Ahom King. She died at Lakhan. The Ahom King renamed Lakhan as Naganimora - "Nagani" meaning "Naga Queen" and "mora" meaning "death". Naganimora has a rail link to Assam.