Nagaland CM calls for protection of Naga culture against appropriation

Committee constituted to document Naga cultural heritage

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 24

Nagas are known all over the world for their rich and vibrant cultural heritage with detailed intricate unique designs and motifs. However, over the years, there have been instances of cultural appropriation of Naga cultural textiles.

As stated by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio “our traditional attires have so much symbolism attached to them that wearing them correctly and on appropriate occasions is also taken very seriously.”

Speaking at the state level consultative meet on ‘documentation of traditional attires, motifs, designs and ornaments’ with all tribal hohos on May 23 at the Capital Convention Centre, Rio cited instances of cultural appropriation.

The misuse of traditional attires and symbols, known as ‘cultural appropriation’, he asserted has to be guarded against. “This issue should be taken in all sincerity because the unregulated use of our cultural designs and symbols will lead to distortion and misrepresentation,” added Rio.

Addressing the leaders of tribes, Rio asserted that it is important that Nagas should take steps to ensure that ‘our’ precious cultural heritage is protected under legal provisions such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Geographical Indications (GI).

“Only then, we can start controlling and regulating the use of traditional attires, symbols and ornaments. Otherwise, a situation may arise where the ownership of our traditional and cultural heritage may be misutlised” he stated with concern.

“Unless we take steps such as documenting and obtaining GI protection for our traditional attires and ornaments, we will not be able to stop outsiders from exploiting them” Rio stated.

A strong advocate towards preserving and promoting Naga heritage, the Chief Minister is often heard encouraging Nagas to incorporate Naga traditional motifs and designs while constructing houses and buildings to preserve Naga cultural heritage and also to maintain the ‘essence of Naganess.’

Appreciating the committee, Rio acknowledged that the work ahead will be very tedious, time consuming and also very sensitive. He expressed hope that they will be able to conclude the work at the earliest ahead of the one year time frame.

While assuring all support including financial help, he urged the tribal hohos for their cooperation stating that “it also requires the collective wisdom of all of us – be it the government or the civil society which will ultimately benefit all the Nagas.”

Rio meanwhile appreciated the Chakhesang community who have obtained GI registration for their traditional attires, and informed that the Angami, Ao and Sumi communities have also taken steps for GI registration.

Similarly, he said DUDA has reportedly started similar work for the tribal communities under its umbrella. Rio hoped that the present committee will be able to assist these communities in taking their efforts to its logical conclusions, and that other communities will follow suit.

‘People need to participate’
Also speaking during the occasion, Advisor, IT&C, S&T & NRE, Mmhonlumo Kikon observed that cultural appropriation is being done for business and commercial interests, and with the sole intent to make profits out of what ‘we’ have inherited.

He emphasised that documentation is not only for preservation of Naga cultural heritage and identity, but the progress of Naga people as well in the days to come.

Despite setting up a system in place to tackle the challenges of theft of property and to promote the rule of law through the establishment of IPR and Patent Information Center (PIC) under NASTEC in 2011, he expressed disappointment that “we have not been proactive to file GI tags for all the tribes.”

He maintained that the government can only do so much to promote, support and create institutions and systems to use. “Unless, the people come forth and participate, we will not be able to preserve the inheritance of our cultural heritage” he pointed out.

Committee for documentation
The committee for documentation of traditional attires, motifs, designs and ornaments is led by Miathou Krose, Chairman, NHHDC as the Chairman; Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, Director DUDA; I Sino Phom, Additional Director & HoD, Tribal Affairs; Adela Moa, Director Art & Culture; Dzüvinuo Theunuo, Additional Director, IPR; Sharon Longchari, Deputy Secretary, AH&VS; Dr Nesatalu Hiese, Scientist, NASTEC; and Zakabo Rotoka, Managing Director, NHHDC.

Expressing grave concern on the lack of written documents of Naga heritage, and given that oral traditions are slowly disappearing, Krose asserted “this is a mission to protect, preserve and promote our rich culture and heritage.”

He asserted that this mission must be completed at the earliest, and not wait for the time frame of one year.

The inaugural programme was followed a technical session with Dr Nesetaly Hiese; Ngutoli Y Swu, research scholar & Assistant Professor, Zunheboto Government College; Sophy Lasuh Kesiezie, research scholar & filmmaker; and Vechulou Khanuo, former Executive Director of Chakhesang Women Welfare Society as the resource persons.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nagaland-cm-calls-for-protection-of-naga-culture-against-appropriation