Ebook The Angami Nagas

The late Mr. S. E. Peal, in his Fading Histories, lamented the delay in the study of the Naga tribes, and the consequent loss of much material out Of which their past histories might have been recovered. He points out the remarkable rapidity with which they are changing and indeed have already changed. He urges the unearthing of some local history from these people ere it has faded for ever, and the careful study Of the Naga tribes before they are reformed and hopelessly sophisticated. But if the Eastern Nagas of whom Mr. Peal was thinking have changed much in recent years the Western Nagas have changed far more. It is barely forty years since Captain Butler wrote, but many customs Of the Angamis at war which he records are almost or entirely forgotten by the sons Of those from whom he learnt them. With the Aos and Lhotas matters have gone even further. Old beliefs and customs are dying, the Old traditions are being forgotten, the number of Christians or quasi-christians is steadily increasing, and the spirit of change is invading and pervading every aspect Of village life. All this must be the excuse for a mere amateur's venturing to undertake a monograph on the Angamis. It is work which should be done by a trained anthropologist, but though occasional German and American scientists have paid hurried visits to the N aga Hills, the anthropologists of Great Britain have consistently passed them by on the other side.