Mon (Konyak Country)

Mon district in northeastern Nagaland is the land of the Konyak, one of the largest Naga tribes. The Konyak are known for their hereditary chiefs (Anghs), who traditionally held great power over groups of villages, and for their elders whose facial tattoos marked participation in head-hunting raids — a practice that ended in the mid-20th century. Meeting these last tattooed elders, with their brass-head necklaces, is a deeply affecting experience.

Villages such as Shangnyu, Chui, Hongphoi and Longwa preserve impressive Angh's houses with carved wooden panels, huge log drums and skull collections from the past (now kept as heritage). Konyak craftsmanship includes gunsmithing, metalwork and beadwork.

The biggest celebration is Aoleang, the Konyak spring festival held in the first week of April, with dancing, feasting and community rituals. Mon town itself is small and simple; the joy of the region is in the villages and their stories, best explored with a Konyak guide.