Crafts Of Nagaland

Basketry - Naga storage and carry baskets woven from fine strips of cane and bamboo are well known and sought after for their utility as well as aesthetic value. The cane baskets and containers woven by the Khiamngan weavers in the Tuensang District are known for their fineness and delicacy of work that gives it a lace-like appearance. Headgears and mats are also woven from fine bamboo and cane strips

 Weaving - Naga women are excellent weavers and the colorful shawls, bags and jackets woven by them are extremely popular. The ‘backstrap’ loom is commonly used for weaving, although, in recentyears the fly shuttle loom has become popular with the weavers. Each tribe uses distinguishing colors and motifs that are often based on tribal folklore. Earlier, natural dyes extracted from barks, roots and plants were used for dyeing cotton yarn and woven fabrics. In addition, woven cloth was embellished with beads, cowries’ shells and goats’ hair to denote the wealth and status of the weaver.

Wood Carving - Making using of simple rudimentary tools and implements such as the local dao, hand drill and chisel, skilled craftsmen produce great works of art. One of the finest specimens of
the Naga craftsman is to be found at Shangnyu village in Mon District. The work of art at Shangnyu consists of a massive wooden panel that has carvings depicting objects of art as well as those of ritual and utility value. The Diezephe Craft village in Dimapur District is a good example of a craft concentrated village where the major source of income is from woodcraft.

Pottery - Pottery was known to the early Nagas and was mostly done by the womenfolk. The pots made were generally very simple and importance was given to its functional value rather than aesthetics. Tseminyu and Ungma village were well known for pottery.

Metal work - Iron tin and brass are used to produce weapons as well as the items of utility and ornaments. The Konyak blacksmiths were famous for their works in the early days and their products were
in great demand in the plains of Assam. Even today, the local dao, spears, chisels, ornaments and other items of utility are still made by local blacksmiths.

Spinning -Spinning, like dyeing and weaving is performed by women and every Naga woman is supposed to weave the cloths of her family. Until recently, it was essential that every marriageable girl
should know how to spin and weave, and tiny girls can often be seen with little toy looms experimenting with weaving. The usual process of spinning is rather primitive and a few simple tools are used in the whole process.

Dyeing