Who Are the Ao?
The Ao are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group and one of the major Naga tribes of Nagaland state in northeast India, numbering approximately 230,000-260,000. They speak Ao, a Tibeto-Burman language with several dialects including Chungli, Mongsen, and Changki. The Ao inhabit the Mokokchung district, which became the center of early missionary activity in the Naga Hills. American Baptist missionaries established themselves among the Ao in the 1870s, and the Ao became one of the first Naga tribes to convert to Christianity. Today, Christianity is central to Ao identity, though traditional elements persist in modified form.
Early Christian Conversion
The Ao were among the first Naga tribes to embrace Christianity, beginning with the arrival of American Baptist missionaries E. W. Clark and his wife Mary in 1872. The missionaries established schools, introduced literacy, and translated religious texts into Ao. By the early 20th century, most Ao had converted, making them a predominantly Christian society for over a century. This early conversion gave the Ao educational and professional advantages. English-medium schools produced Ao leaders, teachers, and administrators. The Ao experience became a model for missionary work among other Naga tribes.
Moatsu Festival
Moatsu is the major Ao agricultural festival, celebrated in early May after the sowing season. Though adapted to Christian contexts, Moatsu retains traditional elements: community feasting, folk songs, dances, and competitions. The festival celebrates agricultural prosperity and community solidarity. Traditionally, it marked a period of rest after intensive planting. Today, Moatsu serves as a cultural festival promoting Ao heritage while remaining compatible with Christian beliefs. The government of Nagaland recognizes Moatsu as a state holiday. Such festivals allow cultural expression within the predominantly Christian context.
Contemporary Ao
Modern Ao enjoy relatively high literacy and educational attainment among Naga tribes, reflecting their long history with mission schools. Ao professionals work throughout India in education, medicine, government, and the military. Agriculture, particularly wet rice cultivation and horticulture, remains important in rural areas. The Ao have produced notable writers, musicians, and leaders. Ao churches remain strong, with the Ao Baptist Church one of the largest in Nagaland. Contemporary challenges include youth unemployment, migration to cities, and maintaining cultural traditions in modern contexts. How the Ao balance their Christian identity, traditional culture, and economic aspirations shapes this pioneering Naga tribe's future.
References
- Mills, J. P. (1926). The Ao Nagas
- Smith, W. C. (1925). The Ao Naga Tribe of Assam
- Thomas, J. (2016). Evangelising the Nation: Religion and the Formation of Naga Political Identity