Context:
The Konyak Union, apex body of the Konyak community, has sought the Nagaland government’s intervention in rectifying the “erroneous” boundary line between the State’s Mon district and Assam’s Charaideo district on Google Maps.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Konyak Tribe:
Geographic Distribution:
- Predominantly resides in Nagaland’s Mon district, and extends into Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Etymology and Social Structure:
- Name Origin: Derived from ‘Whao’ (head) and ‘Nyak’ (black), referring to ‘men with black hair’.
- Clans: Divided into two main groups: “Thendu” (Tattooed Face) and “Thentho” (White Face).
Cultural Identity:
- Ethnicity: Belongs to the Mongoloid race.
- Religion: Predominantly Christian, with about 95% adherence among the population.
- Language: Speaks the Konyak language, part of the Northern Naga subgroup within the Sino-Tibetan Sal subfamily.
Cultural Practices:
- Festivals: Key celebrations include Aolingmonyu, Aonyimo, and Laoun-ongmo, central to community cohesion and cultural identity.
- Craftsmanship: Renowned for their expertise in traditional gunsmithing, basketry, and other handicrafts utilizing cane, bamboo, and brass.
Societal Organization:
- Family Structure: Operates under a patriarchal system where the eldest son typically inherits family assets.
