Crafts of Nagaland – Indian handicrafts

The traditional crafts of Nagaland are unique in design which shows beyond doubt that they are lovers of art and craft. The cane and bamboo works of the Nagas maintain high quality and the intricate designs on them depict the rich cultural tradition of the Nagas. Their handicraft products find ready market in the country as well as abroad.

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Handloom
The introduction of improved and finer count yarn, the translation of traditional handloom fabric into modern garments, the handloom industry of Nagaland has found wider scope of expansion. These traditional patterns with rich vibrant colours of the various tribes of Nagaland fused harmoniously with the high fashion garments of the west are finding good market in national level.

The important handicrafts of the Nagas are :
wood-carving
bamboo work
pottery
blacksmithy
Wood Carving

The best wood-carvings are to be seen on the village gate, in the Morung, and in front of the house of a rich man or warrior. They use simple working instruments like dao, chisel, axe and adze. The figures generally carved are mithun head, hornbill, human figure, elephant, tiger etc. These figures are an expression of an idea. The mithun head represents wealth; the hornbill, valour; the human figure, success in head-hunting; while elephant and tiger denotes physical prowess. In Konyak area, there are some carvings which have the Khajuraho touch about them; there are exotic motifs showing a dancing couple in an amorous posture. The Konyaks are in fact, the best wood-carvers among the Nagas. The log-drums or xylophones which are laboriously hollowed out of the trunk of a big tree are excellent specimens of the Naga’s skill in wood-work. The drum has generally a carved prow showing mithun, buffalo or tiger’s head. In recent years, owing to discouragement of headhunting and the spread of Christianity, the art of wood-carving has been languishing.

Bamboo Work
The forests in Nagaland are rich in Bamboo and cane. Naturally therefore, Nagas are expert basket makers. The craft is restricted to men. Baskets are usually of two kinds, one to be kept in the house for storage purposes and the other to be carried on the back for day-to day use. The Ao (tribe’s) basket is conical in shape, while the Angami basket is cylindrical with the mouth slightly wider than the base. Generally all Nagas make their own baskets and there are no professionals.

Apart from the baskets, the Nagas also make mats and shields with bamboo. The Changs make attractive chungas or drinking cups. Necklaces, armlets and leggings are made of cane.

Pottery
Pottery is not very popular and is practiced in very few villages. There is no revolving wheel; the Nagas make their pots by the use of hands only. The craft is restricted to women and the turnover is not large.

Blacksmithy
Blacksmithy or metal works, though a comparatively recent craft, is more popular. The smiths produce the normal requirements of villagers like the Dao, axe, sickle, knives, spear points and butts etc. The Konyaks are the best blacksmiths. They make muzzle-loading guns as well. The Lothas regard this trade unlucky and believe that no blacksmith lives long after he stops the work.