Hornbill festival: Khiamniungan troupe demonstrates ‘peace treaty’

Khiamniungan cultural troupe today demonstrated Liam Keh (Peace Treaty) here on day 9 of Hornbill Festival at Kisama.   Liam Keh is a traditional treaty followed by ancestors to make peace between villages post the headhunting period.  

It marks the end of hostility and the beginning of friendship between the two groups.  

This treaty was conducted only during the Hok-ah festival in the month of January. It starts off with the leaders discussing how living on peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding benefits the society.  

During Liam Keh, they dance and sing ( Khapou oh Liamsha, Ou Sa Uh Liamsha)” which means, welcoming with the fiercest tooth.  

They exchange dao and shawl as a sign of peaceful treaty and pray for each other. The successful treaty is followed by dancing and singing together and merry making.

(Morung Express News)