Nagaland weaves in France: This Naga weaver has beautiful craft story to tell

KOHIMA — People attending the Namaste France festival, which is underway at La Seine Musicale, a performing arts centre in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris, can have Nagaland experience as popular loin loom weaver Vekuvolu Dozo is showcasing weaves from the state at the fest.

The four-day festival, which began on July 6, is being organised by the Embassy of India in Paris with the support of Indian government’s Ministry of Culture, to celebrate 25 years of strategic partnership between India and France.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror over the phone, Dozo said: “This journey is all because of God’s grace. I never dreamed I would land in Paris representing my Nagaland.”

The artisan-entrepreneur learnt the art of weaving – loin loom — when she was 18 years. She took a break from the art following relocation to another state after her marriage but picked up the profession again on returning to the state.

In 2019, she took up training in home furnishing under Tata Trust project called ‘Charkha to market’, which is now run by NEIDA. A year later, she establish her brand, Viko Ethnic, which makes a variety of products ranging from clothing, fabric and home furnishing with ethnic and authentic design weaving on back-strap loom. Her produce are available on various online marketing platforms.

Gaining momentum within a short span of time, Dozo, who hails from Naga United Village in Dimapur, have participated in various exhibitions such as Thaan, Tarasha and Craft Bazaar at NIFT Shillong, as well as collaborated with many weaving companies across India and Paris.

“My products has ethnicity, sustainable and natural fibers which is why a buyer herself called me up for this event (Namaste France),” said Dozo over the phone, as she was heading to the venue of the festival.

“I have a story to tell others about us, the weavers, and the beautiful craft made by us, that is, the uniqueness,” she added while expressing hope that people in Paris will love the unique craft works.

Meanwhile, she lamented that she’s lone weaver from Northeast India to participate at the festival.

“I wish there are more craftsmen from our place (Northeast), as we have lots of people doing great crafts,” she told this newspaper.

Further, she said the crafts from Nagaland are known in various parts of the world because of its beauty and uniqueness. She added that she will make use of the platform (Namaste France festival) to learn as much as she could to promote Naga craft.

It may be mentioned that Namaste France festival is a continuation of the commitment to cultural exchange during a joint declaration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France President Emmanuel Macron in 2019. The event also precedes Modi’s scheduled visit to France as guest of the July 14 parade called Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.

The festival will showcase India’s rich cultural diversity and contemporary arts. Crafts Market is one of the highlights as the Indian Handicrafts Market will showcase the creative works and unparalleled talent with 20 master craftsmen from across India.

The visitors will also have the opportunity to interact with the artistes and learn more about craftsmanship from the artisans. The products being showcased at the event range from shawls and stoles from Kutch and Kashmir, leather lamps from Andhra Pradesh, household items from Nagaland and jewelry from Rajasthan. Each stand will offer a wide variety of traditional and contemporary products, entirely handcrafted and one of a kind.

Besides Vekuvolu Dozo with Naga Weaves artisans in line up are: Amit Khandelwal with Canvas Print; Ashraf Hasan with Jodhpur Juttis; Dalavai Kullayappa Dalavayi with Leather Lanterns and Paintings; Pratik Dohat with Soof Embroidery Shawls; Ashutosh Verma with Art Sanjhi; Raghav Soni with Art Thewa; Riyaz Ahmed with Paper mache; Hitesh Dayalal with Bhujodi Shawls; Riyazuddin with Art and rings inspired by the Pichwai.

Ramesh Lal with Kullu Shawls; Fayaz Ahmad with Kashmir Shawls; Nitin Rana with Himachali Wool Jackets; Aiswarya Enolla Patri with Patchwork/Sewing; Arshad Kafeel with Wood carving and brass inlay; Pramod Soni with Silver Jewelry; Diti Mistry with Textile Art; Ghanshyam Sharma with Paper Products and Stationery; Laxman Bhima and Pabiben with Rabari Embroidery Bags and Manoj Pant Jute bags from Uttarakhand.

The festival will also offer a series of free workshops for lovers of well-being, dance, music and Indian culture while it will also let participants also be able to learn about Bollywood dance, Odissi dance rhythms of Indian musical instruments.

Meanwhile, there will be daily performances by various artistes to enthrall the visitors.

Also read: Nagaland: Li Cheh Kro Weavers Producer Company Limited launched