Title: History of the Formation of Sümi villages and Migration practices

Language: Sümi

Description: The narrator, Dr. Hothoku H. Chishi of Chishilimi Village offers a profound and authoritative account of the formation of Sumi villages and the migration traditions of the Sumi people. Drawing from ancestral memory, he outlines the ancient customs that shaped Sumi movement, settlement, and social order.

In earlier times, the establishment of a new village began with the gathering of individuals willing to venture forth. Once a group was determined, they would set a course, plan their journey, and prepare for departure. The eldest among them became the leader, responsible for guiding the community and upholding its laws, while a spokesperson was chosen to speak on behalf of all maintaining unity and clarity in all affairs.
Migration was allowed only with the permission of the parent village; without consent, a group could not depart unless they possessed a distinct speech or linguistic style one reason behind the diverse dialects among Naga communities.

When permission was granted, both villages performed a solemn ancestral rite in which a dog was burnt alive, believed to carry away misfortune and cleanse the beginning of their new life.

Dr. Chishi also highlights the foundational importance of the Tuccu (Tuku/Tukumi) and Swu clans the two ancient clan lineages from which all Sumi people descend. These clans carried distinct responsibilities, enabling the community to live in harmony, guided by shared purpose, duty, and discipline.

Upon reaching their destination, each family marked and claimed its own land. Whoever secured the largest field kept it as their rightful share. Families claimed land according to their labour, while remaining land was held by the leader and shared with later arrivals.
This narrative reflects, our forefathers upheld discipline, unity, and deep knowledge of their roots foundations that shaped Sumi identity across generations.

Format & Duration: 9 mins 24 Sec
Date of Recording: 11/18/2025
Date of Upload: 25 November 2025
Performer: Dr. Hotokhu .H. Chishi
Creator: Otoli .H. Awomi
Publisher: Tetso College, Dimapur
Note: This recording was collected for academic documentation under NEIIPA. I acknowledge the support of Dr Hotokhu for sharing traditional knowledge

Cite this work

Awomi, Otoli .H   . 2025  . History of the Formation of Sümi villages and Migration practices    . ( Narrated by Dr. Hotokhu .H. Chishi    )  . Sovima: NEIIPA, Tetso College  . (https://neiipa.in/audio/history-of-the-formation-of-sumi-villages-and-migration-practices/)  . Accessed: (26-Nov-2025)