Chakhesang Attire Regulatory Board (CARB) has issued a stern warning against the misuse and cultural appropriation of Chakhesang Naga attire and ornaments.
In a press release, CARB chairman Dr. Zavei Hiese and member secretary Nokho Nyekha expressed growing concerns over the rising instances of misrepresentation by self-styled cultural ambassadors who misinterpret the community’s heritage under the guise of cultural promotion.
The board warned of stringent action against those disrespecting the tribe’s tangible identity in the name of modernity and fashion.
CARB highlighted that traditional Chakhesang attire and ornaments are not merely decorative but serve as autobiographical markers of an individual’s life journey through his/her clothigns.
CARB urged artists and designers to promote the traditional heritage with respect and to make their own designs instead of copy-pasting the motifs, the patterns of which were passed down through a carefully preserved culture of hands-on learning from mother to daughter.
The board also reminded that they mere guardians of the traditions, and misinterpreting them or stealing them to make it their own in the name of promoting the culture was a disrespect of the culture at the highest level.
“We encourage people who want to promote our tangible culture, to take time to go back to their own roots, and conduct their own research about the specific attire they wish to promote, before blindly wearing or designing them in the name of promotion,” it stated.
It further pointed out that Chakhesang weaves are protected under the Geographical Indication (GI-542) tag, which provides legal safeguards against unauthorized use. CARB warned that it would not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against violators including those from within the community, should the need arise.