Naga shawls are traditional shawls with a distinctive pattern made by variousNaga ethnic groups fromNagaland and its neighbouring areas inNortheast India. Naga shawls embody specific traditional connotations that symbolize status, identity, and achievement. Beyond being a piece of cloth, Naga shawls convey rich traditional narratives. These textiles serve as vehicles of communication, perpetually transmitted from one generation to the next, fostering cultural continuity within Naga society. Particularly noteworthy is their significance within the Naga community, which is devoid of script or written historical records.[1]
The Naga shawl or Chakhesang Shawls is registered under theGeographical indications (GI) of Nagaland byGovernment of India.[2]
TheTsüngkotepsü is a warrior shawl of theAo Nagas ofNagaland. Traditionally, theTsüngkotepsü can only be worn by warriors who had successfully taken the heads of enemy warriors,[3] In modern times, the right to wear theTsüngkotepsü is associated with performing amithun sacrifice, a demonstration of wealth[3] and are a distinctive symbol of the Ao Nagas.[4]
TheChakhesang Naga shawl has theGeographical Indication Tag.[5]It was the third from Nagaland to be granted the GI registration afterNaga King Chilli and Naga Tree Tomato. While the ‘Chakhesang Shawl’ is listed under the category of ‘Handicrafts’, the other two is registered under ‘Agricultural’ product under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
Nütsah
TheKhiamniungan Naga Shawl that has circles ofcowrie shells is calledShiehtsap nie. But the exact same shawl without cowrie shells is calledNütsah. The shell was attached as a symbol of feasts of merit which the owner has hosted, depicting the shiningstars in the sky during a nightly raid, or the moon and thus female fertility. The huge stylized human figure on theNütsah indicates the owner's accomplishment in headhunting war. In those days such shawls could only be worn by distinguishedaccomplished warriors andwealthy men in the society.[6]The red square that has 9x7 red blocks depicts fierce bloody war champion and theblue lines are a symbol of peaceful dominant disposition of all mankind.[7]
 | This article about the culture of India is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
