A&CD Secretary Bodeno S Colo and Director Adela Moa along with authors and other dignitaries during the release of 3 books and unveiling of Interactive Kiosk in Kohima on February 12. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima |February 12
The Art & Culture Department (A&CD) Nagaland today inked a milestone by releasing three publications documenting and interpreting diverse cultural narratives of the State as well as unveiling an interactive kiosk at an event held at its Directorate.
Bodeno S Colo, Secretary, A&CD unveiled the kiosk and also released a publication on “Studies on Naga Oral Traditions, (Themes in the folktales of Nagaland)” Volume 2 by Dr Anungla Aier.
“Documentation of Indigenous Pottery Tradition of the Nagas” by Dr Ditamulü Vasa and “Contemporary Naga Painting: A Study of Cultural Narratives” by Dr Lemtıla Alinger and Dr Talisenla Imsong were released by Governor’s Award recipients Vishü Rita Krocha (Literature, 2025) and Vilalhou Noudi (Art/Painting, 2012), respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Colo lauded the authors for their dedicated efforts in documenting Naga oral traditions, pottery and painting.
Interactive kiosk to promote heritage
She described the launching of Interactive Kiosk as an important initiative “that reflects our commitment to reimagining how cultural heritage is preserved, interpreted, and shared with the public.”
She said that Kiosk will be installed at the State Museum Kohima as dynamic digital platforms through which visitors can experience the rich cultural traditions of all Naga tribes.
“Through these kiosks, visitors will be able to explore traditional games, folk dances, music, and other cultural expressions, presented in an engaging and accessible format,” She said adding that the initiative was particularly significant for younger generations, “as it allows them to connect with their heritage through contemporary technology, while ensuring that the essence and authenticity of traditional knowledge are respected and preserved.”
She commended the A&CD Director Adela Moa, and her teams who are involved for conceptualizing and implementing this forward-looking initiative.
Congratulating all the authors, contributors, and the officers and staff of the Directorate of Art & Culture for their dedication and vision, Colo said “I am confident that these initiatives will serve as enduring references for scholars, students, artists, and the general public, and will continue to inspire pride and engagement with our cultural heritage.”
She thanked Sentinaro Longkumer, Editor-In-Chief, 6ᵗʰ Finger Publishers, Kohima for bringing such scholarly works to publication, ensuring that they reach a wider audience and stand as lasting resources for future generations.
“These publications and the interactive kiosks represent a holistic approach to cultural preservation-where scholarship, community knowledge, and digital innovation come together. They reflect the Department’s sustained commitment to safeguarding Nagaland’s tangible and intangible heritage while embracing thoughtful and responsible innovation,” Colo said.
Oral traditions as living archives
The A&CD Secretary described the publication of “Studies on Naga Oral Traditions” (Themes in the folktales of Nagaland) by Dr Aier and published by 6th Finger Publishers, as a remarkable contribution to the field of folklore and anthropology.
By presenting selected folktales from all Naga tribes and organizing them thematically, this work transcends individual tribal boundaries and highlights shared cultural values, social ethics, and collective wisdom, she said adding that it stands as a powerful reminder that oral traditions are living archives that continue to shape our identity.
A&CD Director Moa stated that the book “Studies on Naga Oral Traditions, Volume II with the sub title Themes in the folktales of Nagaland” is the outcome of the author’s continued research on the Naga oral traditions.
She stated that the Department has long maintained its commitment towards the preservation and promotion of Naga cultural heritage and identity.
She was optimistic that this book on the intangible cultural heritage of the Naga people will contribute not only in the department’s effort but will continue to be of academic values to scholars interested to learn more about Naga society and culture.”
Dr Aier stated that the first volume of the book entitled 'Studies on Naga Oral Tradition - Memories and Telling of Origin Myth and Migration' published in 2018, was primarily concerned with narratives which are considered as historical narratives.
The second volume present the richness and the wide array of various themes that runs through the various types of folktales, she stated adding “These stories reflect the people's life experiences, their aspirations, values and cultural practices around which folktales have been created and retold again and again over the many generations.”
Documenting Indigenous Pottery
Colo said that “Documentation of Indigenous Pottery Tradition of the Nagas” by Dr Vasa (Published by 6th Finger Publishers), offers a deeply researched ethnographic study of traditional clay vessel production among the Phom Naga community.
More than a documentation of craft, this work affirms the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and community-led conservation, she said.
It recognizes the rights of indigenous communities over their cultural knowledge and underscores the principles of respect, ownership, and continuity in heritage preservation.
“The Department of Art & Culture is privilege to have sponsored this research as part of its ongoing commitment to preserve and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage. This book will serve as an important reference for scholars, researchers and cultural practitioners and as an inspiration for younger generations to value and uphold traditional knowledge systems” A&C Director Moa stated in foreword.
Dr Vasa thanked the department for supporting this documentation project on the pottery tradition of Phom tribe under TRI.
She thanked all the potters and artisans of Pongo and Yongphang villages for their cooperation and also all the concerned officials and individuals for their inputs towards the successful publication of the book.
Insights into the evolving Naga visual arts
Colo said that the third publication, “Contemporary Naga Painting: A Study of Cultural Narratives by Dr Alinger and Dr Imsong (Erudition Publishing), provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Naga visual arts.
Through extensive engagement with artists and stakeholders, the authors capture how contemporary painters draw inspiration from traditional symbols, oral histories, community memory, and lived experiences, while also responding to modern influences, she said.
The study thoughtfully highlights both the vibrancy of the art scene and the challenges faced by artists, opening important conversations on institutional support and cultural infrastructure, she added.
Arts and Culture Moa hoped that this book will inspire further academic engagement, encourage young artists, and contributes to preservation and celebration of Nagaland’s rich cultural heritages.
“This research will undoubtedly enrich the fields of cultural studies, art history and indigenous knowledge systems, while offering readers a visual and intellectual journey into the world of contemporary Naga painting,” she stated in foreword.
Thanking the department for its support, Dr Alinger and Dr Imsong stated that the study has helped them understand the potential and challenges of the visual artist in Nagaland, and development of painting in Nagaland in recent years and also read into cultural trends represented in paintings.
In publisher’s note, Longkumer thanked the A&CD for publishing the books, adding that “helping research scholars publish their works is not only a contribution to the present society but even to the future generation as well.”
“I believe, such support will encourage more scholars to dive deeper in cultural studies,” Longkumer added.
The programme was compered by Temjenjungla, Assistant Archivist while Teisovikuolie Therie, Deputy Director Art & Culture invoked God’s blessings.
Welcome address was delivered by N Thungchano Yanthan, Additional Director, Art & Culture while Chakhesang cultural troupe presented folk song. Vote of thanks was proposed by Meseno Peseyie, Joint Director, Art & Culture.
