The ‘Tribal Crafts Unit’ stall at the Bamboo Pavilion in this year’s Hornbill Festival 2023 showcased artistic and creatively crafted products with a gleaming finish.
I.Susu, the owner of the Tribal Crafts Unit, excels in crafting various household essentials using his artistic flair and locally sourced materials. He mentioned that the support from the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NDBA) played a crucial role by providing machinery when he first embarked on this endeavor.
Born in 1966 to Rong-sennukshi in Changtongya village, Susu attended GHS Changtongya for his matriculation and pursued his higher education at Government College Dimapur. Although he initially practiced law at Jorhat Law College, financial constraints forced him to abandon his academic pursuits. In 1997, he married I. Alila and were blessed with a son who is now pursuing his B.SC final year. The family resides permanently in Windy Ward of Changtongya town.
Today, Susu boasts a diverse range of high-quality products, including kitchenware, decorative pieces, and combs made from wood and bamboo resources. The impeccable craftsmanship of his items appeals to both domestic and international tourists alike.
“I struggled so much when I started with nothing to work on and I did not even have machinery or financial backing,” says Susu who started Tribal Crafts Unit in 2003. Through his handicrafts business, he has also been able to support his family.
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In 2006, the Unit discovered a platform at the Hornbill Festival, where they received assistance from the NDBA department of the government. This support included providing them with the necessary machinery and tools, ultimately aiding in the establishment and growth of their business. In 2013, Susu received the prestigious Best Craftsman Award. The business now employs five young individuals, with additional support from family members. Their monthly income ranges from Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000. The success of their sales at the Hornbill Festival has been consistently encouraging, motivating them to continue working diligently and participating each year.
Tribal craft was earlier known as “Mechanised woodcraft” which evolved to “Susu handicraft” and then the present nomenclature came about.
The biggest challenge that Susu faces is limited market outlets, which hinders his ability to fully benefit from the products he manufactures. Despite this, he acknowledges that the NBDA consistently places orders for his products, and he expresses gratitude for their support and encouragement.
