Konyak Naga
The Konyaks are a major Naga ethnic group native to the Northeast Indian state of Nagaland. They inhabit the Mon District, which is also known as The Land of the Anghs. The Anghs/Wangs are their traditional chiefs whom they hold in high esteem. Facial tattoos were earned for taking an enemy's head.
Konyak chief in traditional outfit | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 320,000 approx. | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India | N/A |
| Nagaland | N/A |
| Assam | N/A |
| Myanmar | N/A |
| Naga SAZ | N/A |
| Languages | |
| Konyak language, Burmese | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity and Animism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Wancho, Other Naga Ethnic Groups, Garo | |
Other unique traditional practices that set the Konyaks apart are: gunsmithing, iron-smelting, brass-works, and gunpowder-making. Members of a village were asked to urinate in one particular place for months. Urine has potassium nitrate and sulphur. The urine rich soil is then boiled. A black residue floats on top of the water which is collected, dried, mixed with charcoal, and turned into gunpowder. They are also known for making excellent Yanglaü (machetes) and wooden sculptures.