The Chakhesang Women Welfare Society took offence at showcasing of the Chakhesang traditional shawls during Suraj Kund Crafts Mela by renowned designer Ritu Beri without permission, at Surajkund in Haryana on February 7.
Drawing its attention to the news report on display of the shawls in a local daily on February 9, executive director of the society, Vechulo-u Kanuo, in a release on Thursday, expressed shock and anguish at Beri for allegedly making a “mockery” of Chakhesang Nagas’ traditionally woven shawls without permission and “misusing the craft” which has been developed and preserved over years.
The Society said the Chakhesang Nagas, along with other Nagas, strongly condemned designer Beri for “misappropriation” of traditional Naga designs and ethnicity in her collection which was showcased in the mela on the theme “Naturally North-East: The Naga Narrative”.
“We are enraged by the humiliation she has caused to the Naga heritage,” Kanuo said.
“Our traditional shawls and attires were woven and designed with deep-rooted meanings that are attached to the core of our sentiment as a community. Every pattern, symbol and the attires all have a meaning of its own. The shawl depicts and symbolizes our ethics from times immemorial,” she said.
The Society said distortion of “our culture by Beri is an insult to the Nagas and their forefathers. Our sentiments have been deeply hurt and the damage she has done is beyond repair,” it added.
It said the “Naga Narrative” is not homage to the Nagas but an abuse and violation of tribal identity.
It also condemned the action of the organisers for misusing and distorting the symbols of the shawls that wrongly represent the original concepts and its depictions.
The Society said it, as the rightful owner of the shawls and mekhelas, will take legal recourse against those responsible in committing the misappropriation. It also warned any individual/groups not to use the attires of the community in any inappropriate manner. The Society showcased two versions of the shawl worn by Chankhesang men and women.
