We do agree with the fact that, India is a diverse country and it is difficult for a man residing in a Metro or Tier 1 cities to come over and explore to buy Handicraft items like Naga Shawls from North East India. North East India comprises of 7 states mainly: Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Agartala, Nagaland and Sikkim. These states are rich in cultural heritage and also adept in producing some of the unique items, like handmade items which are not found and produced in any part of the world. To begin with Naga Shawl is one of such items.
Naga Shawl History goes back to generations and centuries when the Shawl was worn as a pride of the warrior class of Nagaland. There are basically 16 different tribes in Nagaland. Each of the tribes have their own traditions and practices. Naga Shawls are woven differently by different tribes and the only similarity is that it is handmade and made out of the finest wools.
Naga shawls are also known as Chaksheshang shawl. The different types of Naga Shawls are as follows:
1. Tsungkotepsu: This is a male Naga shawl worn by the male head of the Tribal community. Especially if he participated in a war and lead the tribe to victory. This shawl is worn as a mark of respect of a victorious tribal leader.
2. Rongkhim: This is a beautiful Naga shawl from the tribe: Yimchunger. These shawls are mostly a combination of red, black and grey. Narrow grey bands are at the end of the two edges.
3. Angami: These shawls belong to the Angami Tribe and bear emblems of Animals depicting strength and vitality. These Naga shawls carry Wild animal symbols and motifs on a black background and these emblems are separated with borders decorated with colourful weavings.
4. Supong: This shawl belongs to the Sangtam Tribe of Nagaland. It is depicted by 4 grey coloured emblems at the top and 4 at the bottom. This shawl is a symbol of wealth and power and is worn mostly by rich tribesman.
5. Tsungrem Khim: This is a shawl for women and is often worn below the waist. This Naga shawl is also worn during the traditional Naga dance. Loukaisa is another similar shawl worn only by Women.
6. Lotha: As the name suggests, this Naga shawl belongs to the Lotha tribe. The various patterns on the shawl speaks a lot about the weaver’s community and the occasional feasts they used to perform.
7. Khekaisa: This naga shawl is a sort of modern symbols depicting democracy, worn only by the elected leader like the MP/MLA/Local authoritative head. It can also be worn by gazetted officers and notable Ministers from the State.
There are various traditions and beliefs associated with such Naga Shawls in Nagaland. However, currently these shawls are exported to various parts of the country and worn by people from different walks of life. These shawls are thick in quality and provides warmth during winters specially in chilly climates. These naga shawls can also be a substitute for heavy blankets. This is because they are not only long in lengths but also equally warm as a blanket and light in weight. Hence, they can be easily folded and carried in Travel bags.
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