Arnab Sarkar – Konyaks: A Trip Through Time to the Present

The Konyaks are one of the oldest tribes in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland. Among the roughly 17 tribes of Nagas, they were among the most powerful communities.

Known as Headhunters, it was their tradition to adorn the wall with the head of their adversary. Only when they could produce the head of the enemy were they permitted to get facial tattoos.  Even the British were unable to defeat them. Their tribe is still regarded as the strongest, despite having outlawed headhunting. East Nagaland is the Konyaks’ original homeland. Living in remote mountain towns, they are not lucky enough to receive proper funding from the government.

The district consists of just one little town, neither a university nor a college, nor even a theatre for movies. Despite being among the most formidable units in the Indian army, the Nagas lead a wretched existence in their native land. The veterans, who are over 90, exist only in their recollections of the magnificent past. While everyone wants access to modern conveniences, the next generation strives to preserve the history. People’s perspectives certainly shift if modern conveniences can coexist with cultural heritage.

This series pays homage to sharing their tales with the world via portraiture and lifestyle photos. Although the older generation is the primary emphasis, great care is taken to include the lives of the current and next generations as well.

The photographs were captured in natural light, and the majority of them have darker tones to depict the community’s current state of shadowy and somewhat light existence.