C-CERP revives indigenous traditional knowledge among youth

DIMAPUR — In an attempt to revive indigenous traditional knowledge among younger generation, the Care-Centre for Environment and Rural Poor (C-CERP), in collaboration with the Divisional Management Unit (DMU) of NFMP, Peren, conducted a one day programme titled ‘Story Retold’ at Peletkie village council hall under Peren district on Saturday on the theme “Reviving indigenous traditional knowledge on loin loom weaving and craft of jewelry and bamboo basket.”

An update from C-CERP stated that a total of 22 youth comprising 12 girls and 10 boys were trained in weaving and basketry by the instructors, who were their parents and grandparents during the programme.

Delivering the keynote address, C-CERP director, Liangsi Niumai, emphasised the importance of reviving and retaining the indigenous knowledge and skills alive.

Quoting Jay Griffiths “If people can’t acknowledge the wisdom of indigenous cultures that is their loss,” she spoke of the rich traditional heritage, how in ancient times cotton balls were grown in jhum fields, which was processed at home to produced into yearn and its fabric.

“The knowledge of traditional arts and crafts is knowing one’s own identity. The totems, motifs and the patterns woven into the tapestry of our attires defined the ethos, traditions and cultural identity, passed down by our ancestors to the younger generations,” Niumai said.

She explained that nature speaks to human through the trees, insects, birds and animals in all livelihood activities, which are unheard, unsung and not told to the people. Just as people don’t have patience to pay attention to the signals of nature, she has likened to the story of traditional skills such as loin loom and craft.

She, therefore, emphasised that the story must be retold to the younger generations through hands-on experience before it dies out.

The functional manager of DIC Peren and special guest, Imtichiba Jamir, has stressed the urgency to teach traditional knowledge among younger generations as everything has become mechanised in this modern era.

“People who do not know their own tradition and culture are like trees without root,” Jamir said.

The special guest mentioned that he learnt basket-making craft from his father and added that his two sisters too know how to weave the traditional loin loom.

Jongponglemba, ADMU-cum-FMU head of Peren range, expressed the need to practice and promote traditional arts and crafts. He added that people could even modernised ancient patterns and designs.

He cited example of Asa Kazingmei from Manipur how he rose to become a mega designer by giving new meaning to ancient knowledge through fashion fusion.  

During the feedback session, the trainees expressed that there is a long way to go with the craft training. They added that one day it could become a means of livelihood. 

Every trainee was awarded a certificate by the director C-CERP.