Kohima Museum

Kohima Museum at Upper Bayavu Hill (celebrated globally across tribal anthropology as 'Nagaland State Museum' and the ethnographic treasure house of the 16 recognized Naga tribes, established in 1970 by the Directorate of Art and Culture, world famous for authentic tribal artifacts, full scale models of traditional clan dormitories (Morungs) with wood carved hornbill motifs, war shields lined with bear fur, carnelian necklaces, brass skull trophies, hand loomed shawls (Tsungkotepsu, Rongsu), log drums carved from giant tree trunks, and dioramas depicting pre colonial village life), located in Upper Bayavu Hill in Kohima in Nagaland, stands as Nagaland's cultural epicenter.

Arranged across two spacious gallery floors, the museum provides a comprehensive cultural encyclopedia of the Angami, Ao, Konyak, Sumi, Lotha, Chakhesang, Rengma, and other Naga tribes whose distinct customs shaped the Eastern Himalayas.

It's the home of the ceremonial brass and horn warrior necklaces worn exclusively by celebrated headhunters, the life size thatched Naga house replicas showcasing ancestral granaries and wood fired hearths, the display of ancient archaeological pottery unearthed from Chungliyimti cave sites, the gallery of stone monoliths commemorating feasts of merit, and an intensely peaceful, deeply educational museum atmosphere filled with the quiet dignity of ancient tribal heritage and cool mountain air.

It represents a rich Nagaland tribal ethnography zenith, indigenous craftsmanship preservation, and educational tourism where 16 Naga tribe exhibits, carved Morung models, warrior shawls, and Kohima heritage circuits unite in Kohima Museum.

Located in Upper Bayavu Hill along Secretariate Road, it sits 2 km north of Kohima Peace Market, 72 km from Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) and Airport (DMU), 14 km from Kisama Heritage Village, and 22 km from Khonoma, easily reached in 5 to 10 minutes by local taxi.

The 16 Naga Tribes & Warrior Artifact Galleries

The museum meticulously showcases the distinctive textiles and symbols of each Naga tribe, such as the Ao warrior shawl (Tsungkotepsu) depicting tigers, mithuns, and spears, which could only be worn by men who achieved victory in battle or hosted great feasts of merit.

The jewellery section features priceless heirlooms including multi strand carnelian bead necklaces, conch shell neck collars, cast brass human trophy pendants, and hornbill feather crowns.

Truth is, standing before the intricately carved wooden Morung pillars while learning about ancient clan customs will give you a profound appreciation for Naga heritage.

Outdoor Morung Models & Log Drum Exhibits

Outdoor Architectural Gallery: The museum courtyard features life sized authentic replicas of traditional Morungs from different Naga tribes, illustrating unique architectural styles, bamboo matting, and carved ridge poles.

Hollowed Log Drums: Visitors can inspect colossal log drums (Kham) carved from single hollowed tree trunks, which were beaten in rhythmic pulses to warn villages of attacks, announce celebrations, or sound alarms across valleys.

Kohima Cultural & Historical Day Tour Plan

The Complete Kohima Day Tour: Morning visit to Kohima War Cemetery (8:30 AM to 10:00 AM) -> drive to Upper Bayavu Hill for Kohima Museum / Nagaland State Museum (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) -> traditional Naga thali lunch in town -> Kohima Cathedral on Aradura Hill (2:00 PM to 3:30 PM) -> Kisama Heritage Village (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM).

Photography & Guidelines: Photography of exhibits requires a nominal camera token; touching glass cases and fragile centuries old handwoven textiles is strictly restricted.

After touring the cultural halls of Kohima Museum, visit Kohima War Cemetery, tour Kisama Heritage Village, or explore Khonoma Green Village.