Birds and animals in culture serve as a rich source of symbolism, storytelling, and artistic expression, reflecting the complex and multifaceted relationship between humans and the animal kingdom. These cultural connections often vary across different societies and regions, adding depth and diversity to human heritage.
Birds and animals have played significant roles in human history and culture throughout the ages. While animals have been traditionally valued for their practical uses, such as food, labor, and transportation, our study of Naga history reveals that we have employed them mainly for sustenance, with minimal use for transportation or labor. Nonetheless, beyond their utilitarian functions, birds and animals have always had a profound impact on our culture, influencing art, festivals, folklore, beliefs, and symbolism.
Throughout Ao Naga history, birds and animals have frequently appeared in art, often conveying various symbolic meanings and emotions. They have served as the foundation of our mythology and folklore, where they are used as symbols to impart moral lessons and cultural values. Animals have held central roles in our festivals and celebrations, a tradition that endures. Our culture also features dietary taboos related to specific birds and animals due to particular cultural norms, and we hold beliefs about them as omens. One of the most intriguing aspects of our culture is the concept of totem animals or “spirit animals.” Among the Ao Naga people, the tiger is believed to be the most common spirit animal or “tanela,” while eagles are perceived as messengers between the earthly realm and the afterlife. These concepts remain intriguing subjects that have yet to be fully understood despite the passage of time.
In the broader context of human culture, lions hold significant cultural and symbolic value across various societies. It is remarkable that despite lions now being native to Africa, with a small population of the Asiatic lion subspecies in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary of northwest India, they feature in our traditional wood and stone carvings, as well as in the ‘tsüngkotepsü’ of the Ao Nagas. The origins and etymology of the word ‘molusongzü’ (Lion in Ao Naga) could be an interesting research pursuit for those curious about this cultural connection.
The arrival of Amur Falcons introduces an interesting twist in our understanding, as the term ‘molulem’ was previously used for the common swift until the falcons roosted in our region. While there may be multiple explanations, it is worth noting that the Ao Naga Bible refers to the swift as ‘molulem.’ Given that the Bible was translated into Ao Naga in the early 20th century, the question arises whether labeling the Amur Falcon as ‘molulem’ is a misnomer.
Studying of birds and animals in our culture promises to be a captivating and multifaceted field, encompassing anthropology, ethnobiology, and cultural studies. It involves comprehending our perceptions, interactions, and integrations of animals and birds into our daily lives, belief systems, and cultural practices. This will not only be academically valuable but also prove to be pivotal for preserving our indigenous knowledge and practices. It can serve as a bridge between traditional wisdom and contemporary conservation and ecological research, contributing to a broader understanding of human-animal relationships and emphasizing the significance of cultural diversity.