The Kunnungs

Abstract

HAVING just returned from an exploring expedition east of Asam, where I met a number of “Kunnungs,” I may report that they appear distinct, both in language and physique, to the Naga groups south of Asam, and, in language, have affinities with Singphos. Those I saw, were with one exception, much more prepossessing in appearance than the other hill-savages, and in colour very pale, i.e. 33 and 45 of Broca's scale. I have got a limited vocabulary. They are great iron and steel workers, and extend from the Mli-kha to what they call the boundary of China, living on pile platform dwellings, raiding like all the hill-men about, having “morongs,” or separate houses for the unmarried; like others, also, their “morals” (as we should say) begin with marriage.