480 
This has a shaft' 0.75 metre long, perforated in the thicker end by a 
square hole into which an iron head is set; according to the plane in 
which the edge of this is placed the instrument becomes an adze or 
an axe. The baskets for storing grain are like those already described, 
but are often as much as two metres deep, and are frequently plastered 
over with mud. They are annually renewed, as old baskets spoil the grain. 
Each village is a commune : if an Angami be asked who was his over- 
lord before the British came he plants his spear in front of the questioner 
and points to that. Still certain headmen are selected for their wisdom in 
council, their skill in debate, their courage in the field; these guide the 
village deliberations, speak for it to outsiders, lead it in war ; at the same 
time whoever has amassed means enough to feast the whole village at 
one time, becomes a headman, and may adorn his house, as a selected 
headman does, with horns above the entrance. The position is honourable, 
but carries np more than a personal authority. Though sons may succeed 
their fathers, or indeed may share the position, for it is not confined to 
any age, it is in no way hereditary, nor is it necessarily held for life. De^ 
cisions are made by the whole village in council, often in opposition to the 
opinion of the headmen. These meetings are held on stone platforms in 
open parts of the village. Every clan has one of these for the old men, 
another for the young, and the two sets do not mix, at least in the prelim¬ 
inary discussions. The platforms have huge fires in the centre during the 
cold weather ; the elders have their platform on the highest part of the 
ridge. The decision of the elders is rarely questioned in land disputes or 
petty disagreements; in questions of policy, however, the headstrong 
views of warriors thirsting for distinction often prevail over wiser counsels. 
But it is a point of honour with dissentients to acquiesce, and share the 
fortunes while disapproving the policy of their village. A leader who has 
used every argument against an undertaking, may be implicitly trusted 
to conduct it, and this confidence he will not betray. Still no obstacle is 
put in the way of any one retiring to another village if he refuses to commit 
himself to the action of his own. This want Of government leads to few 
disturbances; offences against the community are restrained by fines paid 
in feasts to the village or clan at the delinquent’s expense, while those 
against individual honor are checked by the dread of revenge. 
Insult or adultery can only be expiated by the offender’s blood, 
and this at once establishes a vendetta. Villages in this way get 
involved in endless feuds, which, beginning in enmity between 
lo 
