Sovima village to host Living Heritage of Nagaland exhibition and symposium on Nov. 6

DIMAPUR — To celebrate and safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of Nagaland, known for its vibrant cultural diversity, a unique event called ‘Living Heritage of Nagaland exhibition and symposium’ will be held on Nov. 6 at the Heirloom Naga Centre, Sovima village, Chümoukedima district.

According to an update, the event is organised by Contact Base, in collaboration with the Heirloom Naga Centre and support of German Consulate General, Kolkata.

The initiative unites a broad spectrum of local and international stakeholders, including indigenous artisans, community leaders, cultural advocates, and design experts, to emphasise the role of traditional crafts and local knowledge in modern-day creative industries.

The event, to be held as a part of the year-long project, ‘Documenting and safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of Nagaland,’ funded by the German Consulate General, Kolkata under the Cultural Preservation Programme of the German Federal Foreign Office, strives to promote cultural diversity and foster sustainable community engagement in Nagaland.

The aim of the Cultural Preservation Programme of the German Federal Foreign Office, which runs since 1981 globally, is to strengthen the awareness of one’s own traditional identity and to promote a cultural dialogue based on partnership.

Contact Base is the executor-cum-implementer of the project. By directly involving traditional knowledge bearers, Contact Base, alongside community-based organisations, NGOs, and tourism stakeholders, educational institutions from Mokokchung, Kohima, Phek, Mon, Chümoukedima, and Dimapur, is working to document, preserve, and revive the cultural heritage of indigenous Naga communities.

“Through a participatory approach involving storytelling, youth engagement, and intercultural exchanges, this initiative aspires to instill pride and awareness about Nagaland’s cultural richness,” it stated.

An innovative aspect of the project includes collaborations in traditional skill-based heritage and sustainable designs in basketry and natural fibers. Acclaimed scenographer Swarup Dutta and Norwegian basketry expert Hege Aasdal have been working closely with indigenous artisans, crafting unique, market-ready products from bamboo, banana fiber, wood, and cane.

Heirloom Naga Centre, YouthNet, Tukhu Rhi, Naga Feathers and Runway Nagaland have collaborated for outreach and product development, exploring how traditional craftsmanship can be adapted for contemporary and urbanised uses.

The event on Nov. 6 will feature an exhibition and symposium from 2 pm to 5 pm, showcasing the collaborative work and celebrating community-driven heritage initiatives.

The event will be attended by German Deputy Consul General Andrea Jeske, Advisor to the Department of Industries, Government of Nagaland, Hekani Jakhalu and Managing Director of Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (NHHDC), Lipongse Thongtsar, among others dignitaries.

There will also be panel discussions exploring sustainable creative economies, heritage innovation, and the role of cultural tourism in preserving Nagaland’s rich heritage.

“Living Heritage of Nagaland Exhibition and Symposium on November 6, 2024, at the Heirloom Naga Centre highlights the synergy between traditional artisans and contemporary designers, paving the way for a sustainable cultural economy entwined with the preservation of the cultural heritage in Nagaland,” the update stated.