Megalithic Monuments of Nagas An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

The practice of setting up megalithic monuments among the Nagas was widespread and associated with their social, economic and ritual ties. It is also an important attribute of identity. With no written
records, it is the presence of such monuments that gives us the understanding of the past and present. Among the archaeological remains, megaliths form an important asset for reconstructing the prehistory and cultural heritage of the Nagas. The paper attempts to present a brief report on the megalithic traditions from different dialect-speaking villages: Chizami (Khezha) in Phek District, Nsong and Nzauna (Zeme) in Peren District, Sumi (Sumi) in Phek District, which have been selected from various communities that apply megalithic practices. The variation in rituals and other aspects associated with megalithic practices and the types of monument are observed and recorded. The data presented here is the outcome of the ethnoarchaeological investigations in the above-mention villages.