“Lt. Agang Rhonggang popularly known as Khaopa. Born 1923; died on 4.9.2001. He succeded Lt. Ato Pah-Ang as chief Ahng of Sheanghah. He was a great preserver of his traditional heritage. Survived by 4 Ahngyhas, 18 wives 19 sons, 7 daughters and 59 grandchildren. A hero, who hunted 36 heads and ruled his territory in prosperity. Despite all his initial oppositions, in his period his followers hunted 130 heads. He ultimately accepted Christianity and was baptised on 5.9.1992.”
Memorial to a Konyak Naga angh (village chief) in Shengha Chingyu, Nagaland, India. The two tusk-like shapes on each side of the cross represent, I’m guessing, cow horns; despite general Indian respect for cows, the Naga peoples keep cattle. (Can’t find much information about the exact significance of cows in their cultures though.)
Also, a skull from the Naga peoples’ headhunting days juxtaposed with a church in the background.
(Credit: Patrick Rogers)
