Oying Motsü: the story of our threads- a memoir by Abeni TCK, which focuses on the heritage, traditional and modern weaves of the Lothas Nagas was officially launched by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on August 29 at Hotel Vivor, Kohima.
Speaking about her long-cherished dream to bring this book on Naga textiles to life, Abeni TCK said that “Oying Motsü” is not just a personal account of her weaving journey but also a testament of the incredible legacy of ancestors who has carried this art from intact, from one generation to the next.
Reminiscing about her journey with threads that began as a small girl helping and watching her elders weave, Abeni said this passion has led her to design modern weaves of the Lotha tribe, and rediscover Naga heritage weaves and motifs through the Pitt Rivers Museum archives in Oxford London.
Abeni also mentioned that she explored new cultural horizons with “Queen” Angya Likhao of Shangnyu village of Mon district and embarked in the weaving transformation of Naga modern designs which took place from 1980’s through the initiative of the NWVA.
Highlighting the main part of the book that focuses on the heritage, traditional and modern weaves of the Lothas, Abeni stated that it also centres upon the extraordinary contribution and achievement of the “fore-mothers” who passed down the skill, designs and purpose for which they wove.
“They are no more now but we can honour them through our weaving practices and the wearing and the propagation of our traditional art form. We must remember that they have provided the foundation from which we have a lifelong responsibility to innovate and grow its impact and popularity” Abeni says.
Pointing out that cloths are not created for functionality alone, she underscored that each piece of garment reveal the remarkable thought process of ancient mothers who took it upon themselves to tell us about our traditions, with each design representing values of that era and the sentiments of the community.
Abeni also maintained that in the weaving narrative of the Nagas, most of what they know have been passed down orally. But with generations passing on, she feels there is a great need for written literature to speak on, till posterity.
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Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his speech extended his appreciation to celebrate the life-long ambition of Abeni TCK to celebrate her accomplishment- a story of her people, the art, tradition, particularly textile, designs, motifs, and the colour combinations of each tribe, particularly her Lotha tribe.
Rio said that although the white people called the Nagas savages, and though illiterate with no clothes to wear, however the numerous designs and patterns tell the stories of the Naga people’s rich culture and traditions.
Appreciating Abeni’s achievements and hard work, Rio pointed out that the display is a lifetime achievement. He expressed confidence that the launching of “ Oying Motsü “ will take the book to many homes and inspire people particularly the youngsters.
Narrating about her mother’s legacy project “ Oying Motsü- the story of our threads”, Abeni’s daughter Khyochano TCK said that the book project was undertaken with love and meticulous care and had journeyed through five long years in releasing the book, working through stories and fascinating accounts of not only her mother’s life but the culture, society, history and emotions of Naga people.
She mentioned that this memoir traces the history of Lotha heritage weaves and explores the personal weaving journey of Abeni TCK highlighting her contributions to the transformation of textile designs primarily with the Lothas and the modern Naga weaving movement which began in the late 1980s.
Khyochano said that the sentiment of the book focuses on the extraordinary achievements of foremothers, who passed down the skills, designs, and purpose behind their weaves. She mentioned that the book reveals not just the creativity and skill, strength and resourcefulness but also the intelligence of ancient mothers. She emphasized that the book also takes a bold observation that supports the fact that foremothers passed down more than just clothing and fabric to wear. “They intentionally passed down valuable information through the cloths they wove,” Khyochano said.
She further remarked that from the very first rolling of the yarn to the beat of the weaving blade on the loom, the foremothers have been telling stories. Studying these ancient textiles reveal so much about our history, culture, beliefs, economics, art, and even agriculture, she added.
“The next time you wear a Naga weave, may you be aware that you are not only wearing culture but also history, song and poetry. Oying Motsü is a celebration of the weavers of Nagaland ancient, past, and present. May their legacy endure for generations to come” Khyochano asserted.
