EMPOWERING NAGA WOMEN: TRANSITION OF TRADITIONAL WEAVING INTO A SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD

Abstract

 Weaving is a "living language" that documents the history, identity, and social standing of the Naga tribes, it is much more than just a means of producing clothing among Naga communities. In times gone by, women were the only ones who could spin, dye, and weave on the backstrap loom as a means of showcasing their wisdom and adding to the prosperity of the community. This traditional wisdom is currently being investigated as a possible instrument for independent living and economic empowerment.

This paper examines the transition of Naga weaving from a traditional craft to a skilled enterprise. Traditional styles are under strain from modernisation and globalisation, but women are using their weaving abilities to adapt to these changes. They are trying to transform an ancient skill into a reliable source of revenue by forming Self-Help Groups and using online platforms to market their services. Nonetheless, there is a persistent worry that the traditional meanings and stories associated with the patterns may be impacted; as weaving becomes more commercial, the original stories and meanings behind the patterns might be affected.

Through the research of previous studies and literature, this paper aims to examine the loom's function as a location of "resilience." It looks at the claim that empowering Naga women would be possible through strengthening their weaving skills. this analysis aims to investigate how contemporary weaving techniques enable women to strike a compromise between preserving their tribal identity and creating a sustainable future in an increasingly globalised society.