Dr. Rio launches ‘Oying Motsü’; celebrates Naga weaving legacy

Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday launched the memoir “Oying Motsü” authored by noted textile enthusiast and cultural advocate Abeni TCK, at a function held at Hotel Vivor, Kohima.
Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Rio lauded Abeni’s lifelong contributions to preserving and promoting Naga culture, particularly through textiles and traditional motifs. He described the memoir as not only a personal journey but also a reflection of the collective story of the Naga people, their traditions, and the evolution of society.
Dr. Rio observed that Naga women, through weaving and craftsmanship, had played a vital role in carrying forward cultural heritage, while men had largely remained detached from such creative expressions. He remarked that although Nagas were once perceived as “savage” by outsiders, their rich culture and intricate designs told profound stories of identity and resilience.
Recalling his recent visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, Rio shared that he had narrated the Naga story to Russian leaders, highlighting the community’s resistance against British colonial expansion. He noted that Nagas fought the British for over four decades, resulting in the deaths of several British officers, which underscored the bravery and resilience of the people.
Dr. Rio also spoke on the legacy of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, which introduced the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. He said the law, later extended to Nagaland upon statehood, continues to safeguard the land, culture and customary practices of the Naga people. Despite such protections, he lamented that British institutions had taken human remains and artefacts from Nagaland, now displayed in places like the Pitt Rivers Museum at Oxford University.
Acknowledging the transformative role of missionaries, Dr. Rio said the advent of Christianity and modern education had brought Naga society “from darkness to light.” He also reflected on his personal association with Abeni’s family, recalling his work with her late husband, who served as Chief Secretary of Nagaland and later as a legislator.
Highlighting Abeni’s public service, Dr. Rio noted her involvement with organisations such as the Indian Red Cross Society, Naga Women’s Voluntary Association and Naga Mothers’ Association.
He said her contributions had earned her recognition in modern design competitions and other platforms.
Dr. Rio emphasized that “Oying Motsü” stands as a testimony to Abeni’s achievements and would serve as an inspiration to younger generations. He reiterated the importance of sustaining handloom and handicraft traditions, stating that the government was working on standardisation, quality control, yarn banks and cooperative societies to enhance production at a commercial scale. Plans are also underway to create clusters and map markets to promote Naga designs globally.
Reaffirming Nagaland’s identity as the “land of festivals,” Dr. Rio said the state government continues to promote cultural traditions through events like the Hornbill Festival and district-level “Mini Hornbills,” which showcase songs, dances, textiles, crafts and ethnic cuisine. These efforts, he said, have earned Nagaland national and international recognition.
Congratulating Abeni, Dr. Rio assured her of the government’s support in future endeavours and praised her for documenting a legacy that would inspire generations.
In her address, Abeni described the memoir as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream to document Naga weaving traditions.
She said the book is both a personal account and a tribute to the ancestors who preserved the art through generations. Recalling her childhood, she shared how watching elders weave inspired her to design modern Lotha weaves and rediscover motifs through the Pitt Rivers Museum archives. She also spoke of cultural collaborations, including with Queen Angya Likhao of Shangnyu village.
Abeni emphasized that Naga textiles go beyond functionality, with each motif reflecting traditions, values and sentiments of the community. She underscored the importance of written records for posterity, given the largely oral nature of weaving history, and acknowledged the contributions of “history keepers” who supported her work.
She expressed gratitude to God, her daughter Khyochano, the Pitt Rivers Museum, her family and all contributors to the book, noting that “Oying Motsü” was the result of five years of effort.
Introducing the memoir, Khyochano described it as her mother’s legacy project undertaken with “great love and meticulous care.” She said the book traces the history of Lotha heritage weaves alongside Abeni’s personal journey, highlighting her role in transforming textile designs and the modern Naga weaving movement of the 1980s.
Khyochano noted that the memoir honours Naga foremothers whose skills and resilience shaped community life, citing stories such as Queen Angya Likhao and Lotha woman Ezungovui. She emphasized that Naga textiles carry knowledge beyond clothing, reflecting history, agriculture, science and mathematics through dyes, patterns and symbols.
She also introduced the “Khuntusu” or Unity Shawl, a design inspired by her grandfather’s migratory story and woven with 40 coloured threads representing the 40 Naga tribes. The shawl, she said, embodies a pan-Naga vision of unity and shared heritage.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shan Kikon.