The Poumai Naga is a community predominantly inhabiting the Senapati District of Manipur, though there are villages that fall in the Nagaland state, situated in the North-Eastern part of India. Poumai is one of the distinct Naga tribes (head hunters). Poumai Nagas are spread over 100 villages that have been broadly divided into three blocks: Paomata (or Paomaitya), Lepaona and Chilevei. The people are known for bravery, fidelity and wisdom. The language spoken by Poumai is called Poula. Poumai in general follow Christianity.
According to the 2001 census, the population of Poumai is found to be about 1,44,505 in Manipur and 6500 in Phek district, Nagaland. The Poumai Nagas have many festivals, dances, songs and performing arts. The most popular dances are Asa-do(prosperity dance), Rieh-do(war dance), Tata-do(ploughing demo dance), Mate-do(seed sowing dance), Chachu-do(harvest dance) etc.
The Poumai has been recognised as one of the distinct Naga tribes in India by Govt. of India in the year 2003. According to the ministry of law and justice, New Delhi, the 8th January 2003/Pausa 8, 1924 (Saka) *Poamata, Lepaona and Chüluve), taken together is recognised as Poumai Naga tribe by the Government of India. The following Act of Parliament (The Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act 2002) received the assent of the President on the 7th January 2003. The Schedule Tribes Orders are hereby amended in the manner and to the extent specified in the Second Schedule in Part X of the Act - Manipur - Poumai Naga, Tarao, Kharam and “Any Kuki tribes”.) Prior to the recognition of Poumai tribe it was under one roof known as “Mao Tribe”.
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According to the version of the Poumais regarding the story of migration one of the immigrants thrust his walking stick on the ground at the meeting place held before the departure from Makhel (Mekhro). And in course of time, it is said that this stick took root and sprouted into a big tree (wild pear) and is called as "Khyataobe". The people of Khyako which is called 'Tenyimia' by the people of Nagaland holds this tree in reverence and in the event of any breakage of branches, they observe 'genna' with all solemnity that no one worked on that day. In the wake of this migration, the Makhel (Mekhro) community today is scattered over different geographical areas. Some have settled in different part of Manipur while some others have settled in Nagaland and elsewhere.
Oral historical accounts reveal that the first settler in Makhel (Mekhro) among the Poumai communities was Khyapou Dukhuo and Supou Paoyuo, the settler at Saranamei. The Lepaona group which migrated from Makhel (Mekhro) settled down at Koide under the chieftainship of Napou-Rakhuo. Proupuozei group (Proumai) migrated from Makhel and settled at Proufii (West of Krouchi-Liila range) for short period and resettled at Phaofii (kodom khullen). So one can gather from these accounts that every village has a founder or a pioneer. One significant point about Koide village is that it has a 'Holy Well' known as Shodzikhao on the eastern side of the village. It is said that the water of this Well is used for the sanctification of birth rituals, important gennas and marriage ceremonies. The Well, which remains perennial throughout the year, still exists today.
However, as the years rolled by, the Poumais spread over to different regions. The Maram and Thangal migrated towards the south-western and the Paomata, Lepaona and Chillivai moved towards the eastern side and settled down at Sütü which is now known as "Saranamei". From here again, one group moved towards further east and settled down at Nafü which is also now known as Koide.
Poumai villages are strategically perched on hill tops or ridges for security reasons as tribal warfares were very frequent in those days. Stockades and fortified trenches were constructed around the villages to defend and thwart surprise attacks by enemies. However, tribal warfares were put to suppression with the advent of British imperialism. Traces of such constructions could still be seen today. Generally, Poumai villages are not very large-about 20 to 500 houses per village. Houses are usually built in rows facing each other. Each house which has a backyard garden, grows vegetables, fruits, sugarcane, bamboos etc. Boys and girls sleep in groups in a house called 'Khoukivei' or 'Reipeiki'. the house which is decorated with the skulls of buffaloes and sculptures of man on the planks.
Every Poumai village has its own independence. The village is ruled by the 'Mave-o' (Chieftain or Khulakpa) and he may best be described as a 'Maharaja' of a small state. The Chieftain whose word carries weight in decision-making could even declare war if the need arises. He is also assisted and advised by a council of elders in the administration of the village. Whenever a rich man in the village throws a feast in the village, a limb of the animal slaughtered and two tins of paddy is given to the Chieftain as a gesture of respect and gratitude. On such a day, the rich man could wear the prestigious shawl Hahsha called 'Yeshosha' (a white shawl with big stitches in the middle). A stone would be erected to commemorate the occasion. The Chieftain also announces and initiates the time for cultivation and after which his villagers follow suit.
The Poumai family life is patriarchal in nature. The father is the head of the family and he not only represents the family in all matters but is also the bread earner of the family. The mother's duty is to raise the children properly and to look after the household chores such as cooking, washing, collecting firewood etc. The children look after their parents' daily chores so that a sense of responsibility could be developed which would come in handy in their lives later on. In fact, from morn till dusk the children are surrounded by educational activities.
The Poumais have only a few musical instruments which are (a) Lana (a single stringed Bango) made of dried bottle-like gourd shell, (b) Chü (indigenous flute made of bamboo), (c) Hahkai (buffalo horn). Lana and Hahkai are usually played by the girls. Traditional folk songs are sung without the accompaniment of instruments.
At the turn of the century, when modernity was yet to make its entry, men's dresses were very simple. It consisted of a .kilt and a cloth and so most of the time they remained half-naked except on grand occasions. During festivals, they wear Roh-lai (diadem), Vee-hoxzü (a colourful bird's feather), Phao-hah, paongi (ivory bangles) etc. Women wear Lakiteisha (black shawl with red and green stripes), Poüpumü (white-skirt with black and green stripes), Bao-sa (bangles), Baoda (brass bangle), Toutah or Tou (necklaces). The grills could also be woven from the barks of nettle.
To the Poumais, food means cooked rice. They eat three heavy meals a day. They also hunt wild beasts and birds for food. They also rear domestic animals for food. The Poumais who are non-vegetarians eat almost any meat.
Rice beer which is called 'Pou-yu' in Poumai is a very popular drink among the Poumais and at the same time they are very skilled in brewing that beer from time immemorial. Most of the elders both men and women chew tobacco. Some of them also use hooks or hubble. But with coming of Christianity, ways of living have been much improved.
Amongst the tribesman of Poumai,the inhibitant of Onaeme(Oinam Hill) makes the eathern pots and utensils called Pouli. Some of their utensil items made by them are 'tooly' (rice pot), 'Vuly' (curry pot), 'Naikhaoti' (curry bowl), 'Khouli' (pitcher), 'Duki' Oar) and 'Ngaki', a big jar for fermenting rice beer.
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