The Yangngak is a traditional dao (machete), which is used by the Konyak Naga Tribe of Nagaland, who are historically known for their warrior heritage and rich artistic culture. This dao, which has been preserved as heritage-Museum Artifact, was made of iron and brass, and it has an ornately carved wooden handle bearing three human heads-symbols of bravery, headhunting tradition, and spiritual protection.
It is opened and the handle is finished with an animal hair edge, likely placed there as some ceremonial or status indicator. The crux of the blade and handle has a brass tubing and tightly wound cane strips, making it sturdy and much-gripping. More importantly, it is inside the body of the blade that a notch may have held an ideal or real significance, one that might have been cut for weight reduction or used for ritual purposes.
Daos like this were not just weapons; they passed out as cultural symbols at festivals, rituals, or headhunting expeditions in the past. Now, they speak to a powerful link with heritage, craftsmanship, and the warrior spirit of the Konyak.
This artefact tells the story of a tribe that has endured great artistic liaisons with war, identity and tradition.