The war dance is one of the most important cultural dances of the Sümi usually performed during feasts of merit and after a great head-hunting victory in the days of old. Only those who had taken heads or at least speared an enemy could wear these colourful dancing gear. Each piece of jewellery and cloth worn for this dance has a meaning and every piece has to be earned. It is genna to wear this attire without gaining the required achievements, it symbolizes victory at war like the laurel wreaths worn by victors in ancient Greece as symbols of victory.
The story behind the origin of this dance is interesting. The dance is not of earthly origin but was learned from the Sky People or sky spirits according to legend. This story can be traced back to Chisholimi village in southern Sümi area to a man named Rotoki whose only daughter Eli was taken up to the sky by Kungumi (Kungu=Sky, mi=people, probably ETs :-p) and she married a Kungumi. There are different versions of this story but all stories mention the Sky people, some tells about Kungumi descending from a red burning star to take a wife from Earth. I'll make another post for the full story meanwhile these are men of Khukiye-Lukhai village - one of the best dancers in the region doing the Aphilokuwo in their 'Kungumi-inspired' finery.
Spears and Azhtaqo are kept in a circle as they began their dance
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