The Ao Nagas are a major Nagaethnic group native to Mokokchung District of Nagaland, Northeast India. Their main territory is from Tsula Valley in the east to Tsurang Valley in the west in Mokokchung district. They were the first Nagas to embrace Christianity and by virtue of this development the Aos availed themselves of the Western education that came along with Christianity. In the process the Aos pioneered among the Nagas in many fields. Christianity first entered into the Ao territory when an American Baptist missionary, Edwin W. Clark, reached an Ao village called Molungkimong in 1872.
Distribution
The total population of Ao Nagas in Nagaland is almost 227,000 according to the 2011 census. Ao Nagas are found in the northern part of Nagaland, mostly in the central Mokokchung District and also a few are found in the adjacent Assam state.
Tzurangkong Range
They lay adjoining the plains of Assam mostly along the valley of Dissai and Jhanzi rivers just before they flow into the plains of Assam. These hillocks are densely covered with bamboos and the climate of the entire range is warm.
Japukong Range
It is the outermost range stretching from north-east to south-west lying to the interior south of Tzurangkong Range.
Changkikong Range
This is a parallel range east of the Japukong Range.
Asetkong Range
It is a central range running from east to west but compared to the other ranges, it is the shortest one. This range lies between Melak and Menung rivers, and therefore, it resembles an island. Hence the name Asetkong
Langpangkong Range
It is the easternmost range skirting along the course of Dikhu River. The river forms a natural boundary line of Mokokchung with Tuensang and Mon districts. This range is spread like a bed and so the name has been aptly given to this range.
Onpangkong Range
It is the southernmost range forming an irregular boundary of the Ao area with that of the Lothas and Semas to the south and with the Sangtams to the east. It is called Ongpangkong as the land is higher and cooler than the other ranges.
Culture
Religion
The traditional Ao religion is animist, holding that spirits, both benevolent and malicious, must be appealed to and placated through ceremony and sacrifice. Among the Ao deities, Lichaba, the creator, is revered most highly. Edwin W. Clark, an American missionary traveled to Nagaland in 1872 with the intention to carry out missionary work inthe country. Clark approached his work among the Ao as a civilizing mission, seeking to replace traditional culture and language with that of the West. The first family to covert to Christianity was the "Aier" family. The youngest family members now are tamjanminla and narochungla. Since the 19th century, the majority of Ao have converted to Christianity. Many Ao people, however continue to practice traditional animist festivals and rituals removed from their religious contexts.
