Phom is a Naga tribe from Nagaland, India. Their traditional territory lies between the territories of Konyak in the north-east, the Ao in the west and the Chang in the south. Yongnyah is the largest Phom village.

Economy

Agriculture is the traditional occupation of the Phoms, and the tribe practices

jhum cultivation Slash-and-burn agriculture is a farming method that involves the cutting and burning of plants in a forest or woodland to create a field called a swidden. The method begins by cutting down the trees and woody plants in an area. The downed veget ...

. The Phoms also have a tradition of pottery, bamboo work and spinning.

Origin

The origin of the Phoms, like that of other Naga tribes, is uncertain. One oral tradition of the Phoms, like that of the Ao Nagas, states that their ancestors originated from stones. They also believe that their ancestors migrated to Mt. Yungnyü (a mountainous Hill in Longleng district) and from their separated to different villages.

Culture

Phom's culture,tradition and language is closely related to the konyak nagas of Nagaland and the Wancho nagas in Arunachal Pradesh.

Clothing

After the advent of Christianity, many modern Phoms have adopted contemporary clothing, though traditional dress is worn during festivals. The traditional Phom dressing was indicative of the social status of the wearer. The ordinary clothing included a white (''vihe-ashak'') or a dark blue (''nempong-ashak'') shawl-like body wrap. A man who had taken a head or offered feasts had the privilege to wear a cowrie-ornamented shawl (''fanet-henyu''). The women used to wear skirts called ''shung-nang'', which came in different colors, designs and bands.

Practices

Before arrival of Christianity, like the Konyaks and the Chang, they used to expose the dead bodies on raised platforms instead of burying them.

Festivals

The Phoms have 4 major festivals, the most important of which is Monyü. The others are Moha, Bongvum and Paangmo.

Monyü

Monyü is the most important traditional festival of the Phoms. It is a 12-day festival, which marks the end of winter and onset of summer (usually 1–6 April). The festival involves community feasting, dancing, singing and social work (such as repairs and construction of bridges). During the festival, the men present their married daughters or sisters with pure

rice beer Rice wine is an alcoholic beverage fermented and distilled from rice, traditionally consumed in East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. Rice wine is made by the fermentation of rice starch that has been converted to sugars. Microbes are the sou ...

and special food to show their affection and respect. One or two days before the festival, its arrival is signaled by beating log drums with a distinct tune called ''Lan Nyangshem''. The priests or the village elders predict whether the festival would bring a blessing or a curse. ; Day 1 (''Shongten-Laiphen'') : Overall preparation is done for the festivities. Households participate in collection of wrapping leaves and bamboos. ; Day 2 : Brewing of rice beer. ; Day 3 (''Aiha Okshok'') : Feasting, dancing and merry-making. The second day is for compulsory brewing of all kinds of rice beer. ; Day 4 (''Chingi Okshok'') : General festivity and arrival of guests from neighbouring villages. ; Day 5 (''Paangmohah'') : Parties of men wear colorful costumes and indulge in drinking, dancing and celebrating with friends. ; Day 6 : Elders feast by exchanging pure rice beer and meat. The young villagers feast together at the outskirts of the village.

References

{{Authority control Naga people People from Longleng district