Chakhesang community has announced a set of regulations governing the use of its traditional attires and ornaments. (Morung File Photo)
Kohima, October 28 (MExN): The Chakhesang community has announced a set of regulations governing the use of its traditional attires and ornaments, warning that misuse, cultural appropriation or defamation of the GI-registered items could invite legal action.
The Chakhesang Attire Regulatory Board (CARB) in a press release said the rules were adopted on May 20, 2025, following instances of traditional attires being misused, resulting in misrepresentation of its traditions and customs. It said the preservation of rich cultural heritage is important for the identity of any community, and every traditional attire and motif has a story to tell about its way of life.
The attires and ornaments have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) registration and are protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, the board said, adding that “misuse, cultural appropriation and defamation of the traditional attires can be viewed very seriously and may even be brought under legal action.”
Under the regulations, the original colours, hues and patterns of all attires and ornaments must be maintained, and respective motifs must be strictly adhered to, specifically shawl motifs cannot be used on skirt designs and vice versa. Attires and ornaments designated specifically for men or women, as well as those reserved as “merit wears,” must be worn strictly according to tradition, while traditional age-group distinctions must be respected, with married men, for example, prohibited from wearing attires meant for young boys and vice versa.
No individual or group is permitted to create new motifs for shawls or skirts and claim them as Chakhesang traditional attire, the board said. It added that unauthorized designs cannot be worn or used at any national or international event without explicit approval from the CARB.
