Pou (Khiamniungan dormitory)

Khiamniungans, inhabiting the easternmost corner of the state of Nagaland in India is a major tribe endowed with rich culture and custom. One among those is the Pou(Morung or dormitory)(/pɒu³³/ ), a grand building with a huge Phie kept inside against the side wall which was primarily the cornerstone and a pivotal institution of the community throughout early times.

Pou, a youth dormitory.

Pou, a youth dormitory

Pou - Khiamniungan dormitory

Hostory

The morungs are higher than the domestic house and their roofs rise towards the front in a conical shape. It was an educational and social institution for menfolk in The tribal community, where elders impart and foster the spirit of patriotism, respect, unity, helping each other and so on. It was a center of social, religious and political activities. Similarly, it was also a guard-house against the enemies. It was the central institution of the village during the early period where young men were imparted knowledge on the past glories, customs.

Significance

Several rituals were performed in and outside the Pou during early period, on among such is called Chamtsa. It is also a place where the neck and limbs of animals sacrificed during a festival are collected. During the festival, every male member in the village gathered at their respective khel at a Pou and Uochiu(raised platform infront of every dormitory) celebrating it with feasting and folk dancing.