Participants of basic Loinloom weaving training in Kohima on August 2.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 2
The first day of the two-day training programme on basic loinloom weaving for children and women took place at the State Museum premises, Kohima on August 2.
Gracing the occasion, Vilone Sakhrie, Director, Women Resource Development, Nagaland, launched Loinloom Weaving Training project under CM Innovative Fund. He thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for allotting fund to promote loinloom weaving activities in the state.
Adela Moa, Director, Art & Culture, Nagaland, commended Vitono Haralu (Gugu), Secretary, Exotic Echo for initiating and hosting the programme.
Kekuwe Lomi, a Master Weaver from Leshemi under Phek District, was honoured with a certificate of appreciation for her unwavering dedication. Reflecting on her journey, Lomi highlighted the societal challenges that women face in accessing opportunities to showcase their talents.
Despite these obstacles, she emphasised the abundance of untapped potential among the Nagas, believing that with proper support and platforms, the women of Nagaland can make significant contributions to the community. She thanked Haralu for providing exposure, guidance in navigating the market, research assistance, product development, and facilitating initiatives like the current program, enabling their growth and success.
In her remark, Haralu said that this loinloom weaving training project is funded by Chief Minister Innovation Funds to empower children and women in traditional weaving.
The initiative will reach out to districts like Kohima, Meluri, Noklak, Peren, Phek, and others interested in capacity training.
Exotic Echo aims to train over 500 individuals, especially women, in weaving skills to empower them and raise awareness of their rights. The training targets children from 7-13 years, considering the best age for foundational learning.
“Today, we witness a surge of celebrities and influential figures blurring the lines between authentic and inauthentic attire, causing confusion. This platform aims to educate individuals to know more about their traditional clothing and attire, seeking to promote culture,” she said.
The programme was marked by Kohima museum tour, loinloom, warping, weaving etc. Tsükulü Nyekha received the first prize in warping while Khrutsolü stood runner- up. In weaving, Mhaleno bagged the first prize while Küveselü stood runner-up.
Meanwhile, similar training programme will take place at Diezephe village, Chümoukedima on August 3.
