(Inclusive of all taxes)

Rock Bees are vital pollinators in Nagaland's high-altitude regions, typically found between 2500m to 3000m above sea level. They construct large open nests on rocky cliffs, remaining wild and elusive to domestication due to their remote habitats. These bees migrate over significant distances, foraging within a range of 4 to 5 kilometers. In the mountainous Kiphire district of Nagaland, indigenous men undertake perilous journeys to harvest prized wild honey from cliffside hives. Without protective gear, they ascend bamboo and rope ladders carrying baskets, knives, and smokers to calm the bees during collection. The Rock Bee's behavior underscores the need for periodic harvesting to maintain nesting spaces, a practice embedded with deep religious and ritualistic significance, although diminished by the advent of Christianity. Ownership of Rock Bee sites traditionally hinges on initial discovery, with hunting days scheduled and harvests communally shared based on clan or family affiliations. While elders sustain this tradition, younger generations show little interest due to its inherent dangers. Rock Bee honey, renowned for its floral aroma and robust flavor influenced by hive location and flower sources, varies in viscosity and color from light amber to dark brown. It is esteemed for its purported health benefits, including alleviating stomach ulcers, gastritis, anxiety, and seasonal allergies, attributed to its antioxidant-rich, mineral-laden composition. Overall, the art of Rock Bee honey harvesting, steeped in cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, faces uncertain continuity amid evolving societal dynamics and generational shifts.