Ao Naga is one of the major and populated groups of the Naga tribe of Nagaland. Ao Naga tribes are one of the major tribes who possess a folk literature of their own. They are well known for multiple harvest festivals held each year.
According to the 2010 census of India, Ao Nagas number 231,823. The real home of the Ao Naga tribes are the catchments of the 5 ranges in Mokokchung District of Nagaland lying between the river Dikhu on east and the plains of Assam on the west. Their main territory is from Tsula (Dikhu) Valley in the east to Tsurang (Disai) Valley in the west in Mokokchung district.
Culture of Ao Naga Tribe
Monogamy is the common form of marriage amongst them. Marriage between the blood relatives of family group is strictly prohibited. The Ao women are infamous for their permissiveness. The Ao Nagas have different morals unlike their neighbour clans.
Economy of Ao Naga Tribe
Their economy is dependent on agriculture. People are increasingly taking up the terrace cultivation. The Ao area is suitable for the development of animal husbandry, dairy farming, horticulture and forestry.
Literature of Ao Naga Tribe
The Ao Nagas are rich in their folk literature. Their folk literature reflects the background of the people, their mind, character, religion, culture, superstitions and taboos. There are numerous legends and folk-tales about the origin of the people of Nagaland and other hill areas of North-East India. In the famous Ao folk-tale of "Longkongla" the hornbill`s feather turns into a stone, the stone into a bamboo vessel and later into a baby boy.
Religion of Ao Naga Tribe
With the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 19th century the Ao were some of the earliest converts to Christianity among the other Naga tribes. Many became Christians in the 1870s. Today, Aos are almost 100 % Christians, the majority being Baptists. Many Ao people have undertaken missionary work in other areas as well.
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