Phom

The Phom are a Naga ethnic group inhabiting Nagaland in northeastern India. They speak the Phom language, a Sino-Tibetan language of the Naga language group. The Phom are concentrated mainly in Mokokchung district and surrounding areas, with communities also living in other parts of Nagaland and in urban centers such as Dimapur.

Historically, Phom society was organized around villages and kinship groups, with village elders playing a central leadership role. The economy traditionally centered on hill agriculture, including shifting cultivation, complemented by hunting and gathering. In modern times, many Phom have diversified into other livelihoods, including wage labor and service work, while agriculture remains important in rural areas.

Religiously, the Phom landscape shifted substantially in the 19th and 20th centuries with widespread Christian missionization. Today the majority of Phom identify as Christians, particularly within Baptist denominations, and Christian beliefs influence ceremonies, education, and community life. Traditional animist practices have largely diminished but may persist in some cultural expressions.

In contemporary Nagaland, the Phom participate in state politics and regional development while maintaining distinctive cultural traditions such as village life, social etiquette, and traditional crafts. Weaving and handicrafts are among the common cultural activities, contributing to local identity and, in some communities, to economic activity through markets and exchanges.

See also: Naga peoples, Nagaland, Phom language, Mokokchung District.