‘Celebrating the Artistry of Weavers; Weaving Heritage & Livelihood’

Exhibition Space at CIC, Chizami.

Three-day National Handloom Day celebration in Chizami kicks off

Chizami, August 7 (MExN):  The North East Network (NEN), in collaboration Nenterprise - Chizami Weaves and Li Cheh Kro Weavers’ Producers’ Company Ltd commenced a three-day celebration of National Handloom Day (NHD) with the theme “Celebrating the Artistry of Weavers; Weaving Heritage & Livelihood” at NEN Resource Centre in Chizami village, Phek on August 7.

Aimed at raising awareness about the significant role of the handloom sector in supporting local economies and livelihoods, particularly for women, the NHD event will conclude with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) on August 9. 

Further, the NHD stressed on weaving as a cultural heritage, recognising and acknowledging the contribution of women weavers in sustaining and promoting the rich traditional weaving heritage. 

It is also meant to create a collective space for weavers to share knowledge, skills and experiences, inspiring both peers and younger generations.

Alternative economic model 
In the keynote address at the inaugural, Wekoweu Tsuha, State Coordinator, NEN, stressed on the critical role of women in the local economy and underscored the significance of local weavers in preserving the traditional art and culture of weaving. 

Tsuha highlighted that the current and dominant economic system prioritises profit maximisation for a few, however community women led/owned enterprises like the Li Cheh Kro Weavers Producer Co and Chizami Weaves-Nenterprise offers an alternative economic model that upholds values of dignity, equity, sustainability and justice. 

She urged the weavers to contemplate on the reason as to why one weaves and encouraged them to see weaving beyond mere livelihood. 

“Weaving is a tool for preserving our cultural identity as indigenous women, and also a movement of self-reliance and gender justice,” Tsuha asserted. 

In an era of global competition within the weaving sector, Tsuha also called for the need for adaptation, creativity, and enhancing new skills and knowledge, and stay informed.

As community knowledge guardians, we have a responsibility to work toward collective well-being and ensuring that the younger generation recognizes weaving as a dignified profession, she added.

Winners of the Weavers Award - Highest Earning Weavers.

Weavers’ experiences  
Speaking on the occasion, Welhipeu Medo, a member of the GI (Geographical Indication) Chakhesang Attires Committee shared on “Meaning & Usage of Chakhesang Textiles,” highlighting its rich varieties.

As per the records, there are 12 unisex shawls and six shawls dedicated to men, and 4 shawls for women, as well as 25 women mekhalas and four variants of kilts for men, she shared. 

She also emphasised on the attire adeptness and appropriateness of these attires for various occasion. 

Sharing her experience as a weaver, Nuvesolu Vezhu of Upper Khomi highlighted the traditional practice of producing cotton fibre and fabric.

Tsutshoweu Kenye of Zapami village also narrated that she was first introduced to weaving in 2018 and became a professional weaver during the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

Deeming weaving as a vital means of livelihood, she stressed of importance of skills and perseverance for success in this trade. 

Weaving clothes for herself, for others and supporting her family through the income from weaving brings her joy and pride, she added. 

Another weaver Kedutsolou L Mero shared on how she started her weaving journey via her mother, and weaving for Chizami Weaves.

She also highlighted that she sustained her family for three years by weaving as her agriculture-dependent family experienced climate crisis that impacted farming. 

Currently, she trains and mentors other younger generation, and ensure the traditional weaving continues.

Weaving beyond livelihood
Vichisalu Nukhu, President, Chakhesang Women Welfare Society, who was the guest speaker, expressed her joy in dedicating a day to weavers as artists, akin to any other form of art. 

Dwelling on the theme, she underscored that as ‘as indigenous people, weaving is our lifeline which keeps our tradition alive’ and women play a pivotal role as custodians of traditional weaving knowledge. 

Beyond livelihood, Nukhu stressed on intentional commitment required to keep this art form alive and the need to maintain high quality to be able to sustain and thrive. 

“Passing down these skills to younger generations becomes our responsibility as women, ensuring the preservation of our cultural identities as indigenous communities,” she added. 

To this end, she highlighted the need for various organisations and stakeholders to come together and partner in taking forward the initiative of sustaining weaving heritage.

A press release from Munulu Chuzho, Project Lead NEN informed that the inaugural was by over 125 weavers, community leaders from 15 villages in Phek district, and staff from NEN and Nenterprise. 

A three-day weaving workshop focusing on textiles and bamboo aimed at raising awareness about weaving as a cultural heritage and providing platform for weavers to pass down their skills and knowledge to the younger generation, is also scheduled from August 7-9. 

Other highlights of the event included storytelling session centered around folktales related to weaving and talk by Seno Tsuhah, Trustee of Nenterprise and Member of General Body, NEN. 

Additionally, an exhibition showcasing traditional attire and weaves was also been inaugurated. Visitors can explore the exhibition at the Cultural Interpretation Center (CIC), NEN RC, Chizami, throughout the month of August 2024.

As part of the celebratory occasion, a Weavers Award was given away to 25 weavers out of the 478 active weavers associated with Chizami Weaves.

The dedicated artisans contributed significantly to the growth of the Chizami Weaves, earning an income of over 29 lakhs as wages during the last financial year, the release said, 

The weavers were awarded under two categories - Top 10 weavers who earned the highest wages; and weavers from 15 villages acknowledged for their exceptional craftspersonship and commitment to quality standards, it added. 
 



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