KOHIMA: The Chakhesang Area Rural Board (CARB) recently issued a statement addressing a growing trend where individuals, often referred to as "self-styled cultural ambassadors," misinterpret and misuse the community's traditional heritage under the guise of cultural promotion.
This trend has raised concerns, particularly regarding the misrepresentation of Chakhesang attire and ornaments, which hold significant cultural and historical value.
In its submission, CARB insisted that its members be treated with dignity and respect for the essence of Chakhesang culture. The board highlighted the fact that the traditional garment, both in its costume and ornamentation, serves as a "personal autobiography" in which an individual's experiences in life and the story he or she traversed in the community are manifested. The garment is more than a fashion; it symbolizes the history, belief, and social standing of the wearer and, thus, carries much deeper meaning.
CARB intends to take "stringent action" against people who, in their attempt to give these symbols modern or fashionable meanings, failed to understand them. The board made a statement that it would "seriously take note" of people who, knowingly or unknowingly, misuse the cultural symbols, especially those who wear or design them without following the norms and traditions that make them authentic.
In addition to stopping cultural attire misuse, CARB challenged artists and designers to regard Chakhesang heritage with more respect. These professionals were asked not to continue copying and commercializing their designs. "We urge artists to promote our traditional heritage with respect, and designers to create their original designs, rather than replicating motifs and patterns that have been passed down through generations," the statement cautioned. This culture of hands-on learning, whereby designs are passed from mother to daughter, is a crucial part of the community's identity, and any misrepresentation of these traditions is viewed as an infringement on the community's values.
The statement further reminded the public that CARB considers itself a "guardian" of the community's heritage. It indicates that those who are popularizing Chakhesang culture should not make light of it but instead use it with respect. Furthermore, the board also asked the people who want to propagate the Chakhesang culture to take time and get knowledge about the particular garment or cultural symbol they want to display. "Before blindly wearing or designing them in the name of promotion, we urge people to go back to their roots and conduct their research," the statement emphasized. This effort to understand the traditions behind each item of clothing or ornament would help ensure the respectful promotion of Chakhesang culture.
CARB also added an important remark about the value of Chakhesang weaves, which have for years symbolized the skill of the community and its good workmanship. These generations-down weaves are more than cloth; they are proof of the culture of these people's lives.
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