A Nütsah is a traditional shawl is created and woven by Khiamniungans of Noklak district in north-eastern India. The other shawl is called Papanie, which is purely white. 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 culturaly adorn and a distinctive symbol of the Khiamniungan Nagas.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
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 by his courages 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 | edit source]
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 design at the edges are called Nütsah Shah. Motifs of men and animals are thick bold embroidered in the central part and cowrie-ornamented patterns that represent the valour of warrior. The red square depicts fierce bloody war champion and the blue lines is a symbol of dominant disposition of all mankind.[3] All these are closely related to being formidable in war explain by J.H. Hutton in his work.[4]
Craft[edit | edit source]
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. The structure or stand to weave is locally called nüloh Pai and act of weaving is called nüloh. Also, the stand to arrange the thread is called ieshu pai, that spins when the thread is pulled.
Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]
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 indigeneous or foreign in consonance with cultural exchanges.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [Handcrafted Shawls of Nagaland https://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0813/ijsrp-p2017.pdf : Handicraft Shawls of Nagaland Richa Prakash, Sharada Devi and D. AnithaCollege of Home Science, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University]
- ↑ [SPONSORED UNDER TRI DEPARTMENT OF ART AND ... https://repository.tribal.gov.in/bitstream/123456789/75173/1/oral_history.pdf : Oral History , Sponsored under Tribal department of Art and Culture]
- ↑ : Khiamniungan Shawl Hornbill festival 2011
- ↑ : J.H. Hutton, Diaries of Two Tours in the Unadministered Area East of the Naga Hills', 1926