(Left) ‘Governor’s Award’ recipient Velasuzo Shijoh (Right) Wooden treasure trove: some of the finished products of Craft & Development Society, Diezephe, which will be exhibited in the forthcoming International Trade Fair, New Delhi, and ‘Hornbill Festival.’
Dimapur | September 22 : Diezephe, a small village on the outskirts of Dimapur is emerging as a model craft village with visitors and tourists trickling in to pick Naga handicrafts as keep sakes and souvenirs.
About a fifth of the village’s 500-odd population is engaged in traditional wood craft and weaving, and with the growing demand for traditional handicrafts both in the domestic and foreign markets, an increase in number of artisans in the village is predicted.
Thanks to the Craft & Development Society, a society founded in 2001 by ‘Governor’s Award’ recipient Velasuzo Shijoh, at least 100 Diezephe villagers including some 30 women are earning their livelihood or supplementing their income through handloom and handicraft.
Diezephe – an emerging model craft village, tourist destination
Velasuzo left his native village in Phek district 28 years ago after learning the tricks of weaving cane baskets and bamboo craving from his late father, and settled at Diezephe village.
With no education certificates (Velasuzo gave up studies after failing matric exam in his first attempt) by his side, he decided to make a living by following his father’s footsteps.
The quality of his workmanship spread and soon his two hands could not meet the growing orders for his products and he formed the Craft & Development Society so that other artisans could assist him.
Velasuzo’s proud moment came when he was presented the Governor’s Award 2010 in the field of Art on Republic Day this year at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. The master craftsman who is into his 57th year said that it is almost two years that he has, more or less, given up crafting or sculpturing himself.
“My hands have become swollen and coarse from years weaving bamboo baskets, crafting and sculpturing wooden artifacts. Even my eyesight has gone weak,” he said.
But he continues to supervise, give ideas and guide the young artisans. He said one of the society’s main objectives is to teach and train all children of the village traditional handicraft so that they earn a living even if they give up studies (like him) or fail to get other employment.
Presently, 30 artisans are working overtime chiseling and chipping away blocks of wood, splitting canes, spinning yarns and weaving in the society’s work shed and loom.
The finished products ranging from key chains to wooden plates to intricate Naga traditional attires will be exhibited and sold at the International Trade Fair to be held in New Delhi from November 14-27 and Nagaland state’s annual ‘Hornbill Festival’ from December 1-7.
About a fifth of the village’s 500-odd population is engaged in traditional wood craft and weaving, and with the growing demand for traditional handicrafts both in the domestic and foreign markets, an increase in number of artisans in the village is predicted.
Thanks to the Craft & Development Society, a society founded in 2001 by ‘Governor’s Award’ recipient Velasuzo Shijoh, at least 100 Diezephe villagers including some 30 women are earning their livelihood or supplementing their income through handloom and handicraft.
Diezephe – an emerging model craft village, tourist destination
Velasuzo left his native village in Phek district 28 years ago after learning the tricks of weaving cane baskets and bamboo craving from his late father, and settled at Diezephe village.
With no education certificates (Velasuzo gave up studies after failing matric exam in his first attempt) by his side, he decided to make a living by following his father’s footsteps.
The quality of his workmanship spread and soon his two hands could not meet the growing orders for his products and he formed the Craft & Development Society so that other artisans could assist him.
Velasuzo’s proud moment came when he was presented the Governor’s Award 2010 in the field of Art on Republic Day this year at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. The master craftsman who is into his 57th year said that it is almost two years that he has, more or less, given up crafting or sculpturing himself.
“My hands have become swollen and coarse from years weaving bamboo baskets, crafting and sculpturing wooden artifacts. Even my eyesight has gone weak,” he said.
But he continues to supervise, give ideas and guide the young artisans. He said one of the society’s main objectives is to teach and train all children of the village traditional handicraft so that they earn a living even if they give up studies (like him) or fail to get other employment.
Presently, 30 artisans are working overtime chiseling and chipping away blocks of wood, splitting canes, spinning yarns and weaving in the society’s work shed and loom.
The finished products ranging from key chains to wooden plates to intricate Naga traditional attires will be exhibited and sold at the International Trade Fair to be held in New Delhi from November 14-27 and Nagaland state’s annual ‘Hornbill Festival’ from December 1-7.
Some comments in the society’s log book
“It was a wonderful experience visiting the village which is actively involved in giving shapes and forms for the creative and artistic products. Wish them all success and prosperity.”
- Lt Gen (redt) KV Kulkarni, Nov 16, 2002
“Thank you for your very warm welcome to the village. Your workshop seems well equipped. Good luck in your work.”
- Ruth Nelson and Tom Murphy, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, Jan. 16, 2005
“Very interesting items, good craftsmanship. I wish I could have brought one of everything!”
- C Douglass, Florida, USA, Feb. 2011.
“We have enjoyed our visit here today. It was worth it to see your wonderful crafts. You are very talented and have a beautiful family…”
The Sweden Team, March 21, 2011
- Lt Gen (redt) KV Kulkarni, Nov 16, 2002
“Thank you for your very warm welcome to the village. Your workshop seems well equipped. Good luck in your work.”
- Ruth Nelson and Tom Murphy, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, Jan. 16, 2005
“Very interesting items, good craftsmanship. I wish I could have brought one of everything!”
- C Douglass, Florida, USA, Feb. 2011.
“We have enjoyed our visit here today. It was worth it to see your wonderful crafts. You are very talented and have a beautiful family…”
The Sweden Team, March 21, 2011
