Nagaland: ‘A story of indigenous traditional skill retold’ event held

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Trainees during the A story of indigenous traditional skill retold’ event held at the Council Hall, Peletkie village on July 27.

Peren, July 27 (MExN): ‘A story of indigenous traditional skill retold’ event at Peletkie village was by Care-Centre for Environment and Rural Poor (C-CERP) in collaboration with the Divisional Management Unit (DMU) NFMP Peren under the theme, “reviving indigenous traditional knowledge on loin loom weaving and craft of jewelry and bamboo basket” at the Council Hall, Peletkie village on July 27. 

A press release issued by C-CERP stated that delivering the keynote address, Liangsi Niumai, emphasised the importance of reviving and retaining the indigenous knowledge and skills alive. Quoting Jay Griffiths “If people can’t acknowledge the wisdom of indigenous cultures that is their loss,” she spoke of the rich traditional heritage, how in ancient time cotton balls were grown in jhum fields, which was processed at home to produce into yearn and its fabric. 

The knowledge of traditional arts and crafts is to know one’s own identity, the totems, motifs and the patterns woven into the tapestry of our attires defined the ethos, traditions, and cultural identity, passed down by our ancestors to the younger generations. 

She referred the quotation of Linda Hogan “A spoken story is larger than one unheard, unsaid. In nearly all creation accounts, words and songs are how the world was created, animal sang into existence,” She explained that there is a way nature speaks to us through the trees, creatures, insects, birds and animals in all our livelihood activities which is unheard, unsung and not told to the people. “Most of the time we don’t have the patience to pay attention to the signals of nature. So also is with the story of traditional skills such as Loin Loom and craft. It must be retold to the younger generations through hands on experience before it dies out,” she stated. 

The programme was graced by Imtichiba Jamir, Functional Manager DIC, Peren as special guest. In his address, Jamir said that in this modern world, everything is mechanized and our traditional knowledge is dying out, they should be taught to the younger generations. He said, “People who do not know their own tradition and culture are like trees without root.” He mentioned that he learnt basket making craft from his father and his two sisters knows how to weave the traditional loin loom. Likewise, the younger generation should follow should be encouraged to learn and retain such skills.

Jongponglemba,  ADMU Cum FMU Head Peren Range expressed how the society at higher circle is giving such importance to the traditional arts and crafts, and to promote the same we should practice and preserve it, we can even modernized our ancient patterns and designs giving new meanings by fashion fusions. He cited the example of Asa Kazingmei from Manipur how he rose to become a mega designer this he said to encourage the trainees.   

The participants brought their own Tiffin to the venue and shared the meal together along with the special guests as a sign of oneness and to built trust among the participants.

The weaving training was attended by 12 girls and bamboo basketry training by 10. The instructors who were their parents and grandparents demonstrated how weaving and basketry are done, followed by the hands on training for the youth. Most of the trainees learnt the skills and displayed their finished craft works at the end of the session. 

The one-day training concluded with a feedback session. The trainees said “there is a long way to go with the craft training, one day it could become a means of livelihood”.  All trainees were awarded a certificate by Director C-CERP.



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