The people in these photos belong to the Konyak tribe, an indigenous community living in the hills of Nagaland, India, near the border with Myanmar. The older men are wearing traditional warrior attire, including face tattoos, large ear ornaments, and horned headdresses made from natural materials.
The face tattoos were once a sign of status and courage. In the past, the Konyak were known as headhunters—a now-abandoned practice that was part of tribal warfare and rituals. Today, only the elderly still carry these tattoos, as the tradition has faded with time.
Konyak culture is rich in crafts, oral history, and spiritual beliefs connected to nature. While the community is slowly modernizing, some villages still welcome visitors and volunteers interested in learning and sharing respectfully.
This is a rare opportunity to understand a unique culture that is both ancient and in transition.
Learn, teach & enjoy the cultural values of Manipur, border state of India and Myanmar
