Mapping Memories

The tribes of Nagaland

The Chakhesang Tribe

Phek district (Chozuba, Phek town) · Festival: Naknyulem-linked and Tsükhenyie (April-May window)

At the Hornbill Festival: The Chakhesang morung is famous for its woven detail and terraced-field photography; their wrestlers often headline the sport events.

Traditional dress and craft

Chakhesang shawls carry intricate geometric borders in red, black and white; women’s work baskets and headstraps are signature crafts.

What to know about the Chakhesang

The Chakhesang farm the most sculpted terraces in Nagaland, southern highland country toward Pfutsero and Zhavame, and keep some of the region’s strictest customary conservation.

Meet the Chakhesang in person

Visit their morung at the Hornbill Festival (December 1–10, Kisama), afternoons are for conversations, not performances. Or travel to Phek district (Chozuba, Phek town) for Naknyulem-linked and Tsükhenyie in April-May window, the same culture at home scale. Our [tribes guide](/journal/hornbill-festival-tribes/) covers every community, and the [festivals calendar](/journal/festivals-of-nagaland/) maps the year.

Hornbill Festival packages from ₹3,999, every tribe, one arena, everything included.

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