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Source: The post is based on the article “Ao and Sümi Naga communities in Nagaland: Seed preservation and storage among them” published in “Down To Earth ” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
Ao and Sümi Naga communities in Nagaland have long relied on the practice of preserving diverse crop seeds across generations. This traditional knowledge associated with seed storage and preservation has been orally passed from one generation to another and is crucial in cultivation.
Who is the Ao community?
| Specifications | Details |
| Who are they | Tribe from Nagaland |
| Meaning | Aoer (meaning “those who came” from across the Dikhu River) |
| Festivals | Moatsü Festival: Observed in early May after sowing Tsüngremong Festival: Celebrated right after the harvest |
| Governance system called as | Putu Mende |
| Occupation | Slash and burn agriculture, also known as jhum or shifting cultivation (tekong lu or alu ayimba) |
| Significance | Aos were the first nagas to embrace Christianity and incorporate Western education |
Who is the Sumi Community?
| Specifications | Details |
| Who are they | Tribe from Nagaland |
| Religion | Ancestral religion was worship of nature. But now most of them are Christians |
| Recognized as | Scheduled Tribe |
| Festivals | Ahuna: It is a traditional post-harvest festival of the Sumis. Tülüni: It is a festival of great significance for the Sümis. |
| Occupation | Slash and burn agriculture, also known as jhum or shifting cultivation |
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