The Morung is a key institution of the Nagas, and also the center of the social life of all the male members of the society. It is the place for the young boys where they learn about social practices and beliefs from their elders. The Morung is generally built on the edge of a steep slope to the highest altitude of the settlement area. It enables the morung members to watch and protect their village from sudden raids and attacks of enemies. An elliptical form of a wide-open entrance place with a magnificent piece of single wood log gives a fancy look to the Morung. Expressions of their head hunting practices, fertility cult, a symbol of valour, tectum and sacrifices etc. could be noticed from the motifs elaborately carved on the poles and cross beams of the morung.
I visited Yongshei village in Longleng District, Nagaland last week and that day happened to be their harvest festival so, the community invited me to their Morung to beat the log drum. There are different types of rhythm and patterns of beating the log drum so I asked one of the elders and he told me this:
According to tradition, the beating of log drum starts with the chord “Shat.”
After that, during the festivals, it starts with the beating of “Moo Shem” melody.
After that the beating of “Lang Shem” in two rows.
After that “Shat Shat Shem” is played
After that “Yungdung” is played
After that “Shemtang” is played
After that “Vengkongkang” is played
To end, they discuss and decide whether to beat twice or thrice, and put a stop with the chord “Shat.”

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