2. Folk dance is a form of dance developed by a group of
people that reflects the traditional life of the people of
a certain country or region. Folk dancing originated in
the 18th century to distinguish dance forms of common
people from those of the upper classes. Folk dances,
unlike most other dance forms, tend to have no
stringent rules, and are sometimes formed
spontaneously among groups of people.
The steps of folk dances are passed through
generations, rarely being changed. Folk dancing is
usually associated with social activities, although some
folk dances are performed competitively.
3. It is noticed in a majority of the cases that the
folk dances of Nagaland are performed by
males. However, the Zeliang tribe of Nagaland
permits their women to take part in the folk
dances with men. During a performance, the
participants start entering slowly into the stage
or arena with some distinctive movements and
stand making a circle or other geometrical
shape. After that, the dancers adjust the beats
and then start dancing by stamping the foot on
a continuous pace. The dances of this tribe are
interspersed by chanting some set words in
chorus and the clapping of hands. These
shouting and chanting provides inspiration to
every member of the group.
4.
5. Life oriented.
Loka means “the world”, it
refers to that mode of
representation in traditional
indian performance that deals
with the wordly activity of
people. Lokadharmi does not
draw on prescribed
codification of gestures
(hastas) and walks (gatis),it
draws on its own modes of
exaggeration, emphasis,
improvisation and play, which
are non-realistic in their own
right.
Natyadharmi means theater
oriented. It pertains to the
conventions of the stage. It’s the
theatrical representation larger
than life. It is more stylized and
the artists imagination has a free
hand in this mode, contrasted
with lokadharmi.
6. The Nagas dress themselves in ceremonial war-
type costume and brass and silver ornaments
and other ornaments made of iron in order to
beautify their look in the dance. As a result of
the regional differences, some changes of very
small quantity are observed in the pattern of
dance. In general, this dance involves the
upright body position at upper part, while the
unbent or straight knees always keep
equilibrium of movements. After attaining the
climax, again the tempo is brought down and it
is thus accompanied by a great increase in
shouts, calls and cries.
7.
8. • In the festivals, the men commonly wear most priced
necklaces of red pebbles.It is said that a single stone of this
sort is sometimes valued at five mithuns. On the upper
arm an ornament of brass is commonly worn and above
the calf of the leg numerous rings of cane, very thin, and
generally coloured black, are frequently worn.
• The women too always wear large and heavy earrings and
numerous necklaces. Bracelets of brass are also worn
besides the upper arm and the legs and ankles are bare of
ornaments.
• The design of their clothes is conspicuous for the right use
of brilliant colours, cowries, ivory and scarlet hair seem
peculiarly well fitted to the deep green or bluish
background usually afforded by the well weeded hills
which is their home.
• They love to wear their traditional dresses which are
richly coloured with beautiful and elaborate designs
woven by them according to their fancy and skill.
Traditionally, the Zeliangrong women possess the
knowledge of weaving
• They produce most of their cloth artistically designed
and woven by women in the families loin looms. Their
yarn is spun from locally grown staple cotton and the
dye required for colouring the yarn is also produced by
themselves from herbs collected from the forest.
• The Zeliangrong males have different styles of haircut
according to age and social status-whether youths,
married men or aged persons.
http://www.e-
pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.Tracing_the
_traditional_Dresses_and_Ornaments_of_Zeliangrongs_part_2
9. Theku among the Chakhesangs and Angami
Nagas, Asem (drum with animal skin masked
upon carved wood)
Tati (singlestring fiddle)
Jemji (Horn made using mithun horn)
10. • Folk songs and dances are essential
ingredients of the traditional Naga culture.
• The oral tradition is kept alive through the
media of folk tales and songs.
• Naga folk songs are both romantic and
historical, with songs narrating entire
stories of famous ancestors and incidents.
• Seasonal songs describe activities done in
a particular agricultural cycle.
• The themes of the folk music and songs
are many; songs eulogizing ancestors, the
brave deeds of warriors and traditional
heroes; and poetic love songs
immortalizing ancient tragic love stories.
• The tribes living in the remote corners of
Nagaland have their inherent tradition of
music.
11. • Zeliang a traditional folk dance of Nagaland is a Lokdharmi form of
dance.
No prescribed gestures. It refers to that mode of representation in
Zeliang that deals with the wordly activity of people.
• It’s a traditional naga cultural folk dance to narrate ancestors
stories. Theme usually being heroic and romance.
• Self made ornaments and clothes for the dance.