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The important handicrafts
of the Nagas are (1) wood-carving (2) bamboo work (3)pottery
(4)blacksmithy.
Wood
Carving
The best wood-carvings are to be seen on the village gate, in the Morung, and in front of the house of a rich man or warrior. The working instruments
for wood carving are simple. They include Dao, chisel, axe and adze. The figures generally
carved are mithun head, hornbill, human figure, elephant, tiger etc.
These figures have their usual symbolic meaning. The mithun head
represents wealth; the hornbill, valour; the human figure, success in
head-hunting; while elephant and tiger denotes physical prowess. In
Konyak area, there are some carvings which have the Khajuraho touch about
them; there are exotic motifs showing a dancing couple in an amorous
posture. The Konyaks are in fact, the best wood-carvers among the Nagas. The log-drums or xylophones which are laboriously hollowed out of
the trunk of a big tree are excellent specimens of the Naga's skill in wood-work. The drum has generally a carved prow showing
mithun, buffalo or
tiger's head. In recent years, with the suppression of head-hunting
and the spread of Christianity, the art of wood-carving has suffered.
Bamboo
Work
The forests in Nagaland are rich in
Bamboo and cane. Naturally therefore,
Nagas are expert basket makers. The craft is restricted to men. Baskets
are usually of two kinds, one to be kept in the house for storage purposes
and the other to be carried on the back for day-to day use. The Ao (tribe's) basket is conical
in shape, while the Angami basket is cylindrical with the mouth slightly wider
than the base. Generally all Nagas make their own baskets and there are no
professionals.
Apart from the baskets, the Nagas also make mats and shields with
bamboo. The Changs make attractive chungas or drinking cups. Necklaces,
armlets and leggings are made of cane.
Pottery
Pottery is not very popular and is practiced in very few villages. There is no
revolving wheel; the Nagas make their pots by the use of hands only. The craft
is restricted to women and the turnover is not large.
Blacksmithy
Blacksmithy, though a comparatively recent craft, is
more popular. The smiths produce the normal requirements of villagers like the
Dao, axe, sickle, knives, spear points and butts etc. The Konyaks
are the best blacksmiths. They make muzzle-loading guns
as well. The Lothas regard this trade unlucky and believe that no
blacksmith lives long after he stops the work.
For Picture Gallery Click
here
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