Situating Traditional Angami Women Through Their Folksongs

Oral traditional existence of the Angami tribe prevailed in the pre colonial times, prior to the introduction of the written script during the colonial period, which ushered in a new and modern way of life. Such were times when modern feminism was not only unknown but irrelevant, where the labour of men and women complemented each other, their main preoccupation being to survive together. In an interesting way, we find women freely expressing their feelings, thoughts, individual opinions, and opposing viewpoints in Angami Folksongs. It is not surprising, when all things are considered, especially the casteless, egalitarian, democratic nature of the community, that there are many Angami folksongs that focus on women and their existence which is, at once, prosaic and poetic, matter-of-fact and soulful.