The Pathso Cultural Troupe is representing the Khiamniungan tribe at the 25th Hornbill Festival in Kisama Heritage Village, showcasing their vibrant traditions and rich cultural heritage. The troupe had travelled for 24 hours on challenging, rocky roads from Pathso village in Noklak district to Kisama in Kohima district enduring exhaustion to make it to the ‘Festival of Festivals’ a testament to resilience and determination in itself.

Celebrating Cultural Identity

The troupe takes immense pride in their traditional attire, each element of which carries deep cultural, traditional, and symbolic significance. From the intricately crafted headgear to the foot ornaments, every piece reflects the Khiamniungan people’s connection to their heritage, ancestors, and the natural world.

Another special highlight of their attire is the tiger tooth necklace, which symbolizes bravery, strength and masculinity. The troupe explained that traditionally, men earn these necklaces by killing a tiger.

Preserving Traditions

The Pathso Cultural Troupe emphasized the importance of passing down traditional dances, songs, and practices to younger generations. They shared that these performances are not merely for entertainment but carry profound meanings, often tied to historical events, community values, and cultural identity.

The Khiamniungan Morung with Slate Roof

A unique feature of the Khiamniungan culture is the traditional Morung, or communal house, adorned with slate roof. The troupe described the slate roofs as a distinctive element of their architecture, crafted from locally sourced stones that are cut and arranged in overlapping pattern to provide durability and waterproofing.

The slate roof, they explained, is not just a practical feature but also a cultural icon, symbolizing the Khiamniungan people’s ingenuity and their connection to the natural environment. The slate roof adds a touch of natural beauty to Khiamniungan homes, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The slates are still available to this day, they explained.

Through their performance at the Hornbill Festival, the Pathso Cultural Troupe aims to highlight the beauty and depth of Khiamniungan traditions, sharing their stories and legacy with a broader audience while preserving their heritage for future generations.