The Number Six as a Cultural Marker in Ao Naga Traditional Society

Abstract:-    
The Ao Naga tribe inhabits Mokokchung district in Nagaland, a state situated in the northeastern region of India. Various cultures worldwide assign numbers with a certain significance based on factors such as mythology, cosmology, or utility, within their own cultural context. The number six, known as terok in Ao language, had high cultural value in the traditional Ao Naga society. The Ao Nagas had a religion known as Limapur prior to their acceptance of Christianity. Their origin myth known as Lungterok (six stones) myth, and the counting system, also reflects the importance of six in their culture. They practiced a rare system of overcounting cardinal number system where a distinct change in the counting pattern or structure emphasized the importance of six. Performing numerous rites and rituals was necessary for the Ao in their indigenous religion, and the idea of six being the perfect or complete number was central to these performances. Six pervaded the Ao universe, and it was a cultural marker and an essential part of their customs, rituals and beliefs. Ao Naga customs and beliefs are well documented in the works of Christian missionaries and British colonial administrators from the nineteenth century. Indigenous writers from the tribe have also made significant contributions to the study of the tribe. Numerous references to the use of six in rites and rituals have been made in these works, but the significance of six as a cultural marker has not been examined. Synthesizing data from these sources and examining the cultural significance of six can help gain fresh perspectives on the Ao Naga society.
Keywords: Ao Naga, six, cultural marker, complete number, origin myth.