The Naga Tribes of Manipur

This need only be a short review. This book is a relatively simple academic work to describe the ethnology of the tribes inhabiting the hills which is point of area from the greater part of the state of Manipur Naga and Kuki occupy definite areas in these hills the Naga tribes in Manipur.

It is not particularly readable, but for the general reader, it has its more interesting aspects mixed with the less interesting. It is however very thorough, and is no doubt an important publication to record these anthropological details that would otherwise be lost. Obviously it is a snapshot of time from just prior to its publication in 1911.

As above it covers many aspects from habitat and geographical distribution, appearance and characteristics, origins, dress, tattooing and weapons to descriptions of houses and villages, furniture and utensils, manufactured items, agriculture, crops, hunting and fishing, food and drink. It goes on to cover tribal organisation and structure, marriage, adoptions, inheritance. Land and other laws, decision of disputes, war and headhunting are also covered. A large section on religion follows, which covers beliefs and origin stories, dreams, omens, ancestor worship, nature worship, rites, sacrifices, ceremonies, marriage and priesthood. There is also a collection of folk tales.

In terms of setting out to meet its purpose this book nailed it. For the entertainment of the general reader, clearly not its intent, it was a bit of a chore to get through it all.

2 stars.