On August 7, 2024, North East Network (NEN), in collaboration with Nenterprise – Chizami Weaves and Li Cheh Kro Weavers’ Producers’ Company Ltd., kicked off a 3-day celebration of National Handloom Day (NHD) at Hope Hall, NEN Resource Centre in Chizami Village, Phek district. The three-day long event, themed “Celebrating the Artistry of Weavers; Weaving Heritage & Livelihood,” will conclude on August 9 with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP).
The NHD event aimed to highlight the crucial role of the handloom sector in supporting local economies and livelihoods, particularly for women. It also focused on preserving weaving as a cultural heritage and provided a collective space for weavers to share knowledge, skills, and experiences, inspiring future generations.
The event was inaugurated by Kezunyipeu Tsuhah, Chairperson of Chizami Women Society & Production Manager at Nenterprise, with Vichisalu Nukhu, President of Chakhesang Women Welfare Society, as the guest speaker.
In her keynote address, Wekoweu Tsuha, State Coordinator at NEN, emphasized the importance of women in the local economy and the vital role of weavers in preserving traditional weaving arts. She highlighted the need for adaptation, creativity, and knowledge enhancement in the face of global competition and urged the younger generation to view weaving as a dignified profession. Welhipeu Medo, a member of the GI Chakhesang Attires Committee, shared insights into the meaning and usage of Chakhesang textiles, emphasizing their cultural significance and appropriateness for various occasions. Weavers Nuvesolu Vezhu, Tsutshoweu Kenye, and Kedutsolou L. Mero shared their personal experiences, highlighting the importance of weaving in their lives, both as a livelihood and as a means of cultural preservation. Guest speaker Vechisalu Nukhu emphasized that “as indigenous people, weaving is our lifeline which keeps our tradition alive” and that women play a pivotal role as custodians of traditional weaving knowledge.
The event saw participation from over 125 weavers, community leaders from 15 villages in Phek district, and staff from NEN and Nenterprise. A three-day weaving workshop, focusing on textiles and bamboo, will follow, concluding on August 9 with IDWIP celebrations. Highlights include a storytelling session on weaving-related folktales, a talk by Seno Tsuhah, and an exhibition of traditional attire and weaves at the Cultural Interpretation Center, NEN RC, Chizami.
As part of the celebration, 25 weavers were awarded for their contributions to Chizami Weaves, which generated over 29 lakhs in wages last year. The awards recognized the top 10 earners and 15 weavers for their exceptional craftspersonship and commitment to quality.
