The Archaeological & Heritage Gallery, a testimony to the history of the ancient Nagas, was inaugurated at the Nagaland State Museum, Directorate of Art & Culture, Bayavü Hill, Kohima on Wednesday by Advisor, Art & Culture and Treasuries & Accounts, K. Konngam Konyak.

Speaking on the occasion, Konyak stated that the gallery was a place of culture, identity and emphasised on making it more accessible to students for strengthening the educational aspect. He encouraged the department to study and discover more to preserve the rich culture of Nagaland.

He also stressed on the need for maintaining the Naga culture and encouraged the concerned people to focus more on its upkeep as to reveal more of Naga heritage, stories and culture while acknowledging their works displayed at the gallery.

Archaeological & Heritage Gallery at State Museum, Kohima

Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, Department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University, presenting an overview of the gallery, informed that the Archaeological & Heritage Gallery was ‘unique’ and that the display of objects should be perceived as a form of interaction with the beholder while getting the view of the past. He also informed that the gallery exhibits displayed the period from pre-colonial history of the Nagas 1832 and dated back per-history of Nagas (1000 BC-1500 BC or even to 4500 BC).

Emphasizing on the significance of the exhibits, Jamir said that Nagaland has gained an indispensable and distinctive way to look into the history of Nagas before the wave of major urban habitation.

Earlier, the programme was invoked Central Baptist Church, Pastor Neisakuolie Mere Kesiyie.

Welcome address was delivered by Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture, IAS, Athel O. Lotha and an Overview of the Archaeological Gallery was presented by Department of History & Archaeology,.  Director, Art & Culture Adela Moa delivered the vote of thanks.

The programme was chaired by Joint Director, Art & Culture, Merensola Longkumer.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play