Phek women urged to take Naga crafts global

Phek, February 11 (MExN): The Women Department of the Phek Town Baptist Church Women (PTBC) observed women welfare day at Phek town under the theme “Preserving tradition and embracing progress” on February 11.    

Speaking on the occasion, Chakhesang Cultural Organization (CCO) President, Kedoutsolhi Wetsah,  said that the Government of Nagaland has declared Phek District as the “Land of Tradition.” The main purpose of this recognition is to preserve the rich cultural heritage, passed down from ancestors and forefathers since ancient times.

He said that the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) has been doing exemplary work by promoting weaving, tailoring and factories providing training and certificates to young girls for self-employment.

So far, the CWWS has secured Geographical Indication (G.I. tag) for 18 items of shawls and mekhelas, showcasing our traditions on a wider stage, he said. He encouraged all women welfare societies to contribute their wisdom and formulate relevant strategies vital to our wellbeing.

Touching on the rising unemployment rate due to a lack of work culture, he called upon women to lead the way in instilling discipline, skill-building, and entrepreneurial spirit to preserve “our traditions while embracing progress for a thriving future.”

Wetsah challenged the PTBC Women Department to provide training opportunities for young girls in weaving, create innovative ideas to enhance weaving skills, tailoring, and hands-on learning ensuring proper practice and certification for self-employment.

He also encouraged PTBC Women Department to embrace the latest technologies for promotion, like digital marketing and online platforms, and take traditional crafts to new heights.

Through online platforms and digital tools, your products can be sold outside the state in emporiums like Kohima, Dimapur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and beyond, he said.

He asked them to adapt these technologies and skills, and compete confidently on a national and global stage.

He said that the Government of India and Government of Nagaland, through Departments of Industries & commerce and Textiles, are deeply rooted in promoting traditional handloom and handicrafts highlighting “our unique, eco-friendly tribal artisan products made from natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, nettles, and banana fibers.” These align perfectly with global demands for sustainability, he said.

However, the sector faces challenges from a lack of modern technologies and infrastructure, which limit production scale and market access, he noted.

He stressed on importance of teamwork and innovative ideas in building a progressive society.

Also urging women to preserve culture and traditions in original form, he said, “Often, during village programs like golden jubilees or 75th/100th anniversaries, new designs are created for village-specific shawls. We do not object to innovation, but such shawls should be recognized as belonging to that respective village not as official Chakhesang community shawls until approved by the CPO, CCO, CARB or CWWS.”

He said that Chakhesang tribe have a rich variety of shawls and mekhelas, “yet, we have not finalize a common attire for men and women. For instance, in church or village events, you see 5-6 different colors and designs, making it hard to identify the original Chakhesang shawl or mekhela amid the variations.”

In contrast, tribes like Ao, Sema, Lotha, and Angami use one common shawl or mekhela for official events, allowing easy identification of their tribal identity.

He said that the CCO, CPO, CWWS, and CARB will soon identify and finalize common attire for both men and women to wear in general, strengthening our shared cultural identity.

He challenged the mothers to educate and teach their children to speak mother tongue confidently.

Under “One Family, One Product” initiatives, the PTBC women department will provide seeds to each family, who will then plant five Naga King Chilli Plants to boosting local production and  livelihoods, he said.