An evening of storytelling encompassing the rich traditional textile of heritage – “Mekhala Stories”, an initiative of Rattle & Hum Music Society in collaboration with PenThrill Publication House was held at Youthnet Entrepreneurship Centre, Kohima on Thursday.
Emphasizing on the “Ezungpvui Mekhela”, additional state protocol officer, Home Depatment, Meripeni Zares, spoke on the folklore of ‘Chokolo’, a native of the Nlongidang village and stressed on the origin of “Ezungpvui Mekhela” which came out with the story of a brave woman named ‘Chokolo’, who was honoured for her courage and bravery for standing and beheading her enemy and was honoured by the elders on the village and the unique mekhala stood as a symbol which was more than an attire.
Story telling on the significance of “Ao Warrior Shawl” by assistant professor, Kohima College, Kohima, Limajungla Jamir, added on the significance of the “Tsüngkoteps” (Ao warrior shawl). She informed that the Tsungkotepsu/Tsungkosu, was originally known as Mangkotepsu, and worn only by the men folk. It was not only an artefact (work of art) but stood a symbol of pride, a mark of identity and is revered by the people.
She added that in the past, a man had to earn the right to wear the shawl by acts of bravery, taking the head of an enemy in the battlefield and by offering “Feast of Merit” as proof of his wealth and without these credentials, nobody can wear the shawl and whoever violates this code, he would be taken to task by the village council and elders of the village.
Jamir added that the Ao shawl was given as a reflection of one’s wealth and heroism during the old war days.
“Mekhela Stories”, indigenous feminist, poet, academic & educator, Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu spoke on the significance of “Lohe” shawl which was unisex and worn both by the men and women folks. Dr. Keditsu added that the shawl was intricately handwoven with traditional designs and patterns unique to the Angami tribe. The Lohe shawls were hand woven back then and were traditionally woollen shawls and wraps that were adorned by members of the tribe.
With a keen eye for textiles, Dr. Keditsu added that textiles were the way of communication and storytelling at the same time, sharing one’s culture. About the initiative, president, Rattle & Hum Music Society, Neingulie Nakhro compared the exposure from the global trend, and emphasized that their strength laid in their culture is the biggest strength and assured that they will stand as the cultural ambassador for the Naga people to the world.
Maintaining that this was the first initiative by Rattle & Hum, Nakro informed that there would also be a series and will be an annual affair of Mekhala stories in the days to come. Delivering the closing remarks, Dr. Elizabeth maintained that the textiles have embedded stories and words in them and that these textiles had symbolic meanings and commented that there was a need to understand their culture and decipher the code of the textile as their culture stood as their identity.
The program was chaired by independent researcher & editor, Dr. Vizovono Elizabeth, a word from PenThrill Publisher, was delivered by Vishü Rita Krocha, greetings by chairman, Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru and a special number “My Way” was presented by Khriezotoulie Chase.