art-culture

music

Nagaland Music

Nagaland Music represents the rhythmically rich cultural heritage of the state. The tribes living in the remote corners of Nagaland have their inherent tradition of music. Since there are various tribal communities in Nagaland, the music of the state also expresses the melodious diversity of the same.

The themes on which the music of Nagaland is formed center around either the religious beliefs, romance or bravery. The Heliamleu which is also called by the name of dancing song of Nagaland is one of the popular music forms of the state which is based upon romanticism. Generally both the youth and the aged people create lines for this music.

The Hereileu song is known as the war song of Nagaland. This is because the aged people of Nagaland narrate their achievements in past battles through this form of music. Then there is the Neuleu song of Nagaland which expresses the legendary acts of any particular figure or a significant ancient happening in the state.

Hekialeu is another enticing part of the music of Nagaland which is of two types. The first type of Hekialeu song is composed and sung by the old people of Nagaland to glorify the deeds of their youthful days. The second type of Hekialeu song is created by both the young and old generation.

There are several rhythmic instrument that aptly accompany the Nagaland music. Trumpet, theku, petu and many other string instruments are commonly used during the music sessions in Nagaland. Apart from creating a melodious effect these musical instruments also enhances the quality of Nagaland music.

Nagaland music in itself is an awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the state.

art

Nagaland, with its bountiful resources, makes it excel in the tradition of arts and craft through the ages. There is a wide array of workmanship on household things and the object d'art which require care and effort. The delight of the workmanship can be found on the baskets, weaves, wood carves, pottery, metal work, jewellery and bead works. Village gates, house posts and Morungs which are found in most part of Nagaland is a true workmanship. Morung are guardhouses, recreational clubs and centers of education used as an important ceremonial purpose. Morung may vary in function and size from tribe to tribe. The pillars of Morung are adorned and carved with human figures, tigers, elephant, horn bills, pythons and other designs.

¤ Basketry

The cane baskets of the Khonoma village and of the Khiamngan weavers in the Tuensang District are known for their intricate weaves which takes much effort to be made. Fine bamboo and cane strips are also made into headgear and mats. These baskets are well known for their utility as well as for aesthetic value. Over the years, when the popularity and the demand of the weaves grew, the entrepreneurs have started to utilize the skills and sell it in the local as well as the outside market.

¤ Weaving

In Nagaland, spinning and weaving is an exclusive monopoly of the women. Colourful shawls, bags and jackets are woven out of this workmanship. The commonest loom for weaving among these women is the 'back strap' or the loin loom, though the fly shuttle loom has also recently become popular. The natural dyes used by them are extracted from barks, roots and plants. Each tribe use distinguishing colors and motifs often based on tribal folklore.

¤ Woodcarving

Woodcarving is another work of artistry in the blood of Naga people. It can be explained under three heads namely headhunting, decoration of the Morungs (man's communal houses) and funerary images erected. Though most of the tribes have skills in woodcarving, the Wanchos, Konyaks and Phom tribes are the finest wood-carvers in this genre. Nowadays, this craft has been commercialized and these craftsmen have been able to use their skill to generate income for themselves.

¤ Pottery

The pots made by them are generally very simple and mainly made for its functional value rather than aesthetics although some of the designs and the motifs found in these pottery have been inspired by the design of the textiles. The pots of villages of Tseminyu and Ungma are well known in the region. First, the pot is made out of the pottery wheel, then the pot is heated and finally rice water is boiled to remove the taste of the baked clay and ensure durability.

¤ Metal Work

Some of the items made by the tribes are spears, chisels, ornaments and items of utility. These are also made till now by the local blacksmith. Nagas are attached to their weapons and it might be because their survival in the past dependent on this skill. These weapons are different in shape and pattern from tribe to tribe. Among all the tribes, the Rengmas are considered the best blacksmiths.

dance

Nagaland Dance

The Nagaland dance represents the vibrant and dynamic cultural traditions of the north eastern state of India. Accompanied with indigenous musical instruments and melodious folk songs, the Naga men perform the group dance with great enthusiasm.

Most of the traditional dances of the aboriginal tribes of Nagaland prefer male performers who dance in closed circle. Dressed in traditional and attractive clothes, the dancers perform with full dedication which is reflected in their flawless performance. The Zeliang dance of Nagaland portrays the unique dancing qualities and artistic skills of the performers.

Almost all the tribal communities of Nagaland have their unique dancing styles. The dances derive their name from the different movements of hands and feet of the performers. One such unique dance is the Cock dance of the Nruirolians which has derived its name because the hand movements bear resemblance to the movements of a cock.

The Fly dance of Nagaland requires the performers to move like the Temangnetin insect, while in the Cricket dance the dancers move their hands and feet in all directions. The valiant men of Nagaland perform the Bear dance which is commonly referred to as Hetateulee after they have successfully defeated their foes.

An integral part of social and cultural lifestyle of the native population of Nagaland, the unique dancing styles of the state are performed with proper props of dao, shield or spear. Any religious or social gathering among the local indigenous tribal groups is incomplete without the performance of their traditional folk dances.

music, art & dance