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The tribe is highlighted by PM Modi in his "Mann Ki Baat" program regarding their traditional honey extraction practices, which, appreciating the tribe's natural farming and honey production techniques.
- Location: Primarily in Noklak District, Nagaland, India, and northwestern Myanmar (Lahe, Leyshi, Hkamti areas).β
- Etymology: "Khiamniungan" derives from "Khiam" (water), "Niu" (great), "Ngan" (source), meaning "source of great water/river," linked to Zungki and Chindwin rivers.β
- Origin and Migration: Traced to Khiamniungan Nokthang near Lengnyu Village; four migration waves formed Pathso-Peshu, Thang-Wolam, Nokhu, and Lahe-Leyshi-Hkamti groups.β
- Society: Traditional village led by eight roles including NΕkpàu (chief), PΗtshΔ« (peacemaker), ΔmpΔu (priest); now mostly Petche, Sonlang (blacksmith), Ainloom remain.β
- The traditional social structure was based on the clan system, with four major clans today: Tshui, Lam, Chio, and Meya.
- Culture: Features Pou (grand building with log drum), bright red/blue attire with cowrie ornaments, gourd drums, bamboo flutes; Pou as key social institution.β
- Language: Patsho Khiamniungan (Sino-Tibetan); Thang dialect taught in schools.β
- Festivals:
- Tsokum Sumai (October harvest): Week-long with sacrifices, feasts for bountiful crops; includes Sumai Jemthao (beer brewing), Janglao (community feast).β
- Miu Sumai (May 5): Marks sowing season start, strengthens family ties.β
- Khaotzaosey-Hok-Ah (January): Rest festival with rice beer, log drum rituals, folk dances for harvest thanks.β
- History: Called "Kalyo-Kenyu" by British; Christianity from 1947, led to social changes.β
- Economy: Farming, particularly jhum cultivation (slash and burn agriculture), is a primary occupation. They also traditionally practiced cliff-honey hunting.
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