The Sangtam tribe, primarily residing in the Kiphire district of Nagaland, traces its history to ancient hill settlements where clans lived in close-knit communities governed by traditional councils. Their historical identity developed through shifting cultivation, inter-village cooperation, and resilience in a geographically rugged region. Over time, the Sangtams strengthened their cultural and social ties, emerging as a distinct tribe recognized for their discipline, craftsmanship, and well-preserved heritage.

Sangtam culture is deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle, with major ceremonies marking transitions in farming, purification, and thanksgiving. Their most significant festival, Mongmong, celebrates renewal, blessings, and community unity through rituals, dancing, and shared feasts. Cultural practices such as folk songs, drum-based music, and group dances reflect their close relationship with nature, ancestors, and village solidarity.

Traditional Sangtam attire is colorful and finely crafted, with men wearing decorated shawls, handwoven waistcloths, and traditional headgear adorned with feathers or boar tusks. Women wear bright wrap-around skirts, embroidered blouses, and bead necklaces that showcase their artistry. The tribe is known for its weaving skills, bamboo crafts, and woodwork, which continue to preserve their cultural identity and aesthetic traditions.

The Sangtam people value unity, hard work, honesty, and respect for elders, guided by customary norms that prioritize harmony and collective well-being. Their traditional belief system emphasizes living in tune with nature, honoring ancestral spirits, and upholding fairness in community life. Hospitality, humility, and cooperation remain central traits that shape Sangtam identity and village relationships.