Dignitaries with participants of workshop on traditional crafts and weaving on April 22.
Kohima, April 23 (MExN): As part of the ongoing programme on “Sharing of Concept on Living Morung & Traditional Knowledge,” the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland, organised a one-day workshop on traditional crafts and weaving” at Konyak Anghjong Football Ground, Vihokhu village, Niuland on April 22.
The programme was held to document, promote, and transmit indigenous knowledge and craft traditions of Naga communities.
Teisovikuolie Therie, Deputy Director, Art & Culture spoke on the concept of “Living Morung” and traditional knowledge systems. He said the morung continues to serve as a community institution where skills in crafts, weaving, and cultural practices are taught by elders to the younger generation. He added that the Department is actively documenting such practices to create a digital repository for future preservation.
Y Themsin Konyak addressed the gathering on the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship as part of Nagas cultural identity.
The cultural segment featured a folk tale narration by Hamnyei Konyak and a folk dance by Konyak Anghjong Men Cultural Troupe, highlighting the connection between orature, performing arts and traditional livelihoods. During traditional crafts and weaving session, K Pongpu Konyak talked on “Materials & Design Knowledge Lead” and assisted by Nyei-e and M Luyanba. N Tahlem Konyak talked on “Technique & Production Lead and assisted by Y Wanlem Konyak and Nangnya Konyak.
Demonstrations covered materials, design knowledge, weaving techniques, and production methods practiced by Konyak artisans. Certificates were distributed to the participants by Teisovikuolie Therie.
The event showcased the rich craft heritage and weaving traditions of the Konyak community, emphasizing how the morung system supports intergenerational transfer of technical skills.
Documentation from the workshop will be archived by the Department as part of its ongoing initiative to protect and promote traditional knowledge and crafts, Therie said.
The programme was attended by around 300 participants from neighbouring villages, Vihokhu village, Lotha community of Lotovi, Nihoto, Khoghovi, Tetrube, Razouve of Vihokhu and Seithekie A under Niuland and Chumoukedima Districts.
The Department of Art & Culture conducts such programmes across Nagaland in phase manner to strengthen cultural identity and sustain traditional livelihoods.
