September 2, 2024 Mansi Joshee

Woodcraft, Naga Panels and the Symbolism of Carvings

Naga Art in Modern Interiors :

Naga Art in Modern Interiors : Naga Artefacts like Panels, Tables and Chairs have a unique brutalist style, full of majestic, minimalist beauty. Their deep solid wood, unembellished designs and raw looks gives them a unique texture and statement quality. Interior Designs and Stylists have discovered anew the modern, unfiltered vibe of Naga Woodcrafts and artefacts

History of Naga Art

In Nagaland, village gates signify more than the village boundary ~ The carved wooded designs are not just majestic and minimalist – they are steeped in meaning.

Long before the words “logo” and “branding” came into the lexicon, the local Naga community — tribal villagers of Nagaland — were branding their territory with carved symbols of population, fruitfulness and power as a way of appeasing their forefathers.

The Rich Tradition of Naga Woodcarving

Naga woodcarving is a centuries-old art form that holds deep cultural significance for the various tribes of Nagaland. This intricate craft is not merely decorative, but serves as a visual language conveying the beliefs, values and history of the Naga people.

Symbolic Motifs and Designs

Naga woodcarvings are characterized by a rich tapestry of symbolic motifs and designs, often depicting animals and mythical creatures. Some of the most common motifs include:

Mithun (Indian bison) - symbolizing wealth, prosperity and fertility
Hornbill - representing power, status and reverence for nature
Tigers, elephants, snakes, lizards, monkeys - embodying virtues like courage, strength, agility and skill
Human figures and sculpted heads - relating to fertility or the achievements of a warrior in the head-hunting tradition

These motifs are not merely decorative, but carry profound cultural meanings that are passed down through generations.

Woodcarving in Architecture and Ritual

Naga woodcarving finds its most magnificent expression in the architecture of the region. Decorative elements adorned the village gates, front doors and walls of tribal chiefs' houses or men's dormitories called Morungs.

These carvings proclaimed the status and power of the house owner or the village itself. Woodcarving was also closely tied to ritual practices in traditional Naga society. Sacred spaces within houses and communal areas were adorned with symbols and carvings representing protection and blessings from ancestral spirits. Totem poles, with their intricate depictions of animals and mythical creatures, served as bridges between the physical and spiritual realms.

Besides architecture, wood craft finds a place in the daily life of the Nagas, where it is a huge part of the traditional kitchen and tableware as well as furniture. In the vast array of tableware, the most commonly found objects fashioned wholly out of wood are beer mugs, bottles for the traditional rice beer, cooking and serving spoons, ladles, plates and platters, troughs, barrels, and numerous other items of daily use.

Salt and containers with bamboo-shoot lids for dried food were smoked and kept above the fireplace and often embellished with cane binding or straps. Low stools, tables and beds were fashioned out of massive pieces of solid wood, and were literally scooped out of the wood chunk without jointing of any kind. This crafting style characterises all of Naga wood craft, which is basically sculpted out of solid trunks or pieces of wood.

Craftsmanship and Techniques

Naga woodcarving requires immense skill and precision, with techniques traditionally passed down within families. The carvers work with locally sourced wood, often incorporating natural pigments derived from the environment.The craftsmanship and attention to detail in Naga woodcarvings is truly remarkable. Each carving tells a story, conveying the cultural identity and values of the community. These visual narratives serve as tangible links to the rich heritage and traditions of the Naga people.

Preserving a Legacy

While the traditional socio-cultural institutions and practices that gave impetus to Naga woodcarving may no longer exist, the artistic creativity of the Naga people lives on. As the Naga society evolves, there is a need to find new ways to express their cultural identity through indigenous artistic expressions that reflect the values of today's context.Efforts are being made to promote and preserve these traditional crafts in the face of modernization. By appreciating and supporting Naga woodcarving, we can ensure that this timeless art form continues to thrive and evolve, serving as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Naga people.

Naga Art in Modern Interiors :

Reach out to us at www.khojcrafts.com for authentic, responsibly sourced Naga Artefacts.

You can check the entire collection here - https://khojcrafts.com/collections/naga-collection

Information/ Excerpts courtesy Gurvinder Singh/ Village Square

All images are by Khojcrafts.