Naga Morung Wood Carving of Nagaland

The morung (bachelor dormitory) of Naga tribal villages was traditionally decorated with elaborate carved wooden doors, posts, and roof finials. Hornbill birds, mithan cattle skulls, warrior figures, and headhunting trophies were the principal motifs. Mon district, home of the Konyak Naga, has the finest surviving morung carving tradition. Craftsmen work with adze, chisel, and dao knife on teak and jackwood. The carvings encode tribal identity, war history, and ritual status. Contemporary Naga woodcarvers produce decorative door panels, furniture, and cultural objects for the tourism and export market. Hornbill Festival in Kohima has become a major platform for Naga woodcarvers to display and sell work. State craft boards provide certification and market linkages. The craft is primarily practiced by Konyak, Ao, and Angami tribal communities.