The two days event of the 9th Naga Loin Loom Festival which was held from 6th- 7th December, 2023 culminates at Weavers place, Diezephe Village, Chumoukedima, under a theme "Livelihood through Traditions'. The festival was organized by Excotic Echo Society in collaboration with Nagaland Tourism, Hornbill Festival, Dept of Art & Culture, Dept of Industries & Commerce.
Social activist, Secretary, Excotic Echo Society, informed that this festival is celebrated to create a platform for the weavers to find their voices and see what kind of help they need and what they can offer and together with that exchange build a stronger ecosystem of the weaver’s community. She also highlighted on Weavers Dialogue topic on - Should weaving be inclusive for Naga men folk participation? Weavers fair wage, and way forward to address the sustenance of the Art of weaving in the State, where she stated that this topic are discuss as the art is dying out somehow slowly, lot of women are not interested in engaging traditional weaving and this story is all over the world not us as an indigenous community in the State. Also on how to bridge the gap, what is a way forward and whether they understand the commercial aspect and slow fashion. She added that this dialogue is to prepare them and to address the Head of the State, that a small community weaver’s voice be heard and amplified in some policies that will help the weaver’s community to be strengthened.
President Naga Mothers Association, Vilanuo Angela Yhome, speaking on the occasion stressed on the need to understand the importance of keeping traditional customs of the community alive. She appreciated the women and mothers for their commendable work they are doing for the future generation. She said keeping the tradition alive is worth more than gold, silver or money, as traditional custom is our identity - an identity that defines our tribes, culture, tradition and custom.
She pointed that modern technology, machines can produce faster and cheaper but it's for economic and business, mass production which will go cheap and our traditional skill will no longer have an identity, henceforth urged the weavers to keep the traditional skills alive by preserving and not giving away to multi production.
Further she added that time has change, children are out to schools, to find jobs and there is no time to sit and learn or train from elders but it's the responsibility of the parents to ponder on it, as parents are the teachers at home they should guide the children and teach them so that the tradition and culture are carry forward for generation to come.
The program highlights of the closing ceremony included Sumi Dance performed by Lovi Cultural Club (NEZCC); Workshop on Natural Dye and Coffee presented by Weavers service Centre and Founder & Owner, Farmer's Square Cafe, Zakietsono Jamir. While at the Weaving Competition 10 weavers participated, the winners were evaluated on three rounds and counting of how much were weaved. The winners were Vekulii, MulutoliiLipu and Vesevolichuzho in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The winners were given a cash prize of 4000, 3000 and 2000 each.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
