People of the Konyak tribe almost entirely populate the villages in the Mon district. The tribal chiefs are the Angus (or Wangs), highly respected and easily recognised by the blue beads worn on their legs. The Mon district is called 'The land of the Anghs' in the local dialects. Suppose one compares the ethnicity and cultures of the Konyaks. In that case, they seem to be remarkably similar to the Tangsa tribe of neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. In the old days, the Konyaks were nature or anime worshippers who believed in good and evil spirits. The tribesmen conducted animal sacrifices regularly to appease these life-forces. Nowadays, most Konyaks practice Christianity.
The Konyaks bear tattoos on their face and hands, which distinguish them from the other Naga tribes. In the olden days, facial tattoos were a sign of the number of enemies that the tribesmen slaughtered. They were traditionally a warrior clan and head-hunters. During clashes with enemy tribes, the Konyaks were terrifying because they cut off the heads of their enemies to hang on a totem pole in the community house called a Morong.
Most Konyak dishes are made using a special condiment called Anisha. Fermented Colocasia leaves are ground into a paste with spices to make cakes, which are later sundried. Pork or other local meats are often cooked with Anishi to give a unique flavor.
Khalap, a rich black tea always boiling in a kettle in a Konyak home, is the favourite drink, especially for elderly tribespeople.
