Syllabus Section: Tribal Issues (GS Paper I)

Importance: UPSC Prelims 

Why in News?

Recently, it has been found that Sumi Nagas’ traditional knowledge helps them navigate nature’s vagaries

About:

• The 'Sümi Naga' are the major ethnic group among nagas in Nagaland, India.
• The Sümis mainly inhabit Zünheboto District, parts of Dimapur District and Kiphire District although many have spread and are now living in a few more districts within Nagaland.
• Sümi Naga tribe practiced Aki Kiti and were headhunters as every other Naga tribe
• Sumis have two different clan heads, Swu (Sumi) and Tuku (Tukumi).
• Festivals - Their grandest festival, Tuluni, is marked with feasts as the occasion occurs in the bountiful season of the year.
• Ahuna is a traditional post-harvest festival of the Sumis.
• Sumi Nagas is primarily agrarian and depends on forests for both food and livelihood. So several of the indicators facilitate agricultural practices and predict seasonal variation.

Source: Down To Earth