The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, supported by the German Consulate General, Kolkata has collaborated with the Contact Base to organize a unique symposium and exhibition on living heritage of Nagaland to empower the Naga communities to create awareness on their intangible cultural heritage through digital storytelling, developing heritage sensitive designs, and using IP (Internet protocol) tools like GI (Geometric Indication) for promotion.
Since early 2024, Contact Base has been working with communities in Mon, Mokokchung, Kohima, Phek, and Chümoukedima in Nagaland to document living traditions, lifestyle, crafts, textile, performing arts, cuisine etc. The initiative aimed to preserve living traditions, foster innovative collaborations, raise awareness, and engage communities and youth. Under this project Workshops, Exhibition, Symposium were organized in Nagaland to highlightthe synergy between traditional artisans and contemporary multidisciplinary art and design practitioners Swarup Dutta from India and Hege Aasdal of Norway, to pave the way for a sustainable cultural economy entwined with the preservation of the cultural heritage in Nagaland. With the traditional skills of the Naga crafts persons, contemporary designer items developed with natural fibre materials like Birch Roots, Linden Bast, Banana Fibre and Bark, Bamboo and Cane. Enhanced with banana fibre, blending traditional and modern weaving, Basketry also saw innovation with products that fused traditional and modern techniques like Square Weave Basket, Round Basket, Frame Basket, Basket with Chicken Coop Weave.
The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, being one of India’s premier institutions for research and preservation of history, culture, and heritage, plays a significant role in the study of Indian languages, literature, philosophy, and archaeology.
A Symposium and Exhibition on Documenting and Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Nagaland was held in the Vidyasagar Hall of the Asiatic Society. The Deputy German Consul General in Kolkata Miss. Andrea Jeske, Librarian of Asiatic Society Kolkata Dr. Pritam Gurey, Bishop of Kohima Dr. James Thoppil among other dignitaries were present.
The exhibition in this event share about the cultural elements and values embedded in the art, craft and lifestyle of different Naga tribes. There was a panel discussion on safeguarding indigenous language, exploring sustainable creative economies and heritage innovation in preserving Nagaland’s rich heritage.
