Nagaland Artists

Each of Nagaland's tribes has its own songs, dances, shawls and carvings, and many come together every December at the Hornbill Festival.

Music and dance

Naga folk songs tell of the tribes' history, wars and harvests, and are sung in groups, often with the tati (a one-stringed instrument) and log drums. The Tetseo Sisters, from the Chakhesang tribe, have brought these songs to audiences across India. War dances and harvest dances are performed at festivals such as Sekrenyi, Moatsu and Tuluni.

Weaving and carving

Every tribe has its own shawl pattern, woven on back-strap looms, which shows a person's tribe and sometimes their status. Wood carvers make the great log drums, carved doorposts and figures found in Naga villages.

The Hornbill Festival

Held at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima from 1 to 10 December, the Hornbill Festival brings together the dances, music, crafts and food of all the Naga tribes.

Sources

• Nagaland Tourism: Government of Nagaland
• Hornbill Festival: Government of Nagaland
• North East Zone Cultural Centre: Dimapur (Ministry of Culture)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi: India's national academy of music, dance and drama (Ministry of Culture)