Nütsah
A Nütsah is a traditional shawl created and woven by Khiamniungans of Noklak district in north-eastern India. The Nütsah could only be worn by the wealthy and warriors who had successfully taken the heads of enemy warriors. In modern times, the right to wear the Nütsah is associated with any male individual in the family as a demonstration of cultural acceptance, signifying ancestral fierceness and a distinctive symbol of the Khiamniungan Nagas.[1]
History[edit]
In pre-colonial Khiamniungan society, shawls were used to classify the social status of male groups. This prestige symbol is given to higher social status who had earned it by his courageous war-performance putting down many enemies. The Nütsah was considered as the highest-ranking male shawl in ancient Khiamniungan society.[2]
Design and symbol[edit]
The background of the Nütsah is black with intricate design of red square spread across with orange line woven at the edge of all four corners. The Khiamniungan Naga Shawl that has circles of cowrie shells is called Shiehtsap nie. But the exact same shawl without cowrie shells is called Nütsah. The shells was attached as a symbol of feasts of merit which the owner has hosted, dipicting the shining stars in the sky during a nightly raid, or the moon and thus female fertility. The huge stylized human figure on the Nütsah indicates the owner’s accomplishment in headhunting war. In those days such shawls could only be worn by distinguished accomplished warriors and wealthy men in the society. [3] The red square that has 9x7 red blocks depicts fierce bloody war champion and the blue lines is a symbol of peaceful dominant disposition of all mankind.[4]
Craft[edit]
In the traditional Khiamniungan Society, Nütsah was purely woven by womenfolk who were practically skilled. It is a time-consuming ordeal and requires sincere devotion and attention to complete the task.[5] [6]
Cultural impact[edit]
All other Naga ethnic groups are well known for their shawls, and the Nütsah is the epitome of renowned champion over unique and intricate design. Regardless of ethnic origin, in modern times it can be worn by anyone either indigenous or foreign in consonance with cultural exchanges.[7] But the shawls with cowrie-shell decorations are reserved for distinguished members of society. It is mainly used by cultural troops performing traditional head-hunting dances especially during festivals and events.[8]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Handicraft Shawls of Nagaland Richa Prakash, Sharada Devi and D. AnithaCollege of Home Science,- Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University". www.ijsrp.org. Sep 27, 2023.
- ^ "Oral History , Sponsored under Tribal department of Art and Culture-Tribal government". repository.tribal.gov.in. Aug 25, 2023.
- ^ Vibha Joshi (Aug 25, 2023). "NAGA : A Forgotten Mountain Region Rediscovered _ EN, Museum der Kulteren Basel, Page - 103.-Academia education". www.academia.edu.
- ^ "Khiamniungan Shawl Hornbill festival 2011". www.google.com. Aug 25, 2023.
- ^ "Journalism for justice - Eastern mirrior". easternmirrornagaland.com. Aug 25, 2023.
- ^ "The land of culture: Tuensang Handicrafts-Tuengsang government site". tuensang.nic.in7. Aug 25, 2023.
- ^ "Tribal culture heritage in India : The unique narrative of shawls worn among 16 major tribes: Reflecting one's social standing and the younger generation's changing tastes – Nagaland". indiantribalheritage.org. Aug 25, 2023.
- ^ "Vibha Joshi 2008, NAGA : A Forgotten Mountain Region Rediscovered _ EN, Museum der Kulteren Basel, Page - 103". www.academia.edu. Aug 28, 2023.