| Tattooing
Tattooing is fairly common in the Naga tribes. Among the Konyaks, Changs
and Phoms both men and women are tattooed. Among the Aos and Sangtams,
only women are tattooed. The Konyaks usually tattoo their faces.
In earlier days they could do so only after they had taken a head, but
this restriction does not apply no longer. The Phoms tattoo their women
only on the legs, but an Ao woman could be tattooed anywhere from face
downward to the legs. A girl, after she is tattooed, becomes a full
fledged member of the community. Henceforth she is allowed to grow
her hair, and she must also observe the food restrictions in the clan. |
