The Angami Women Organization (AWO) has expressed disappointment and concern regarding the misuse of Naga traditional attires in an Instagram reel created by Agou Hengoulal Sitlhou. The reel, which has garnered attention on social media, has been criticized for displaying a lack of respect and improper use of Naga cultural attire and ornaments.
In a statement released by the AWO, they highlighted the importance of Naga traditional attires, stating, “The Naga traditional attires are not merely garments and ornaments to be worn; they have rich significance both historically and culturally. Each piece of the Naga traditional attires reflects the heritage, identity, and values of the communities they represent, and they carry the stories of our ancestors, woven with care and worn with a deep sense of pride and dignity.”
The AWO emphasized that these attires are a vital part of Naga cultural heritage and should be portrayed with respect, in accordance with the traditions and intentions of the culture. “Any misuse, mockery, or commercialization of these garments diminishes their true meaning and undermines the cultural richness they embody,” the statement continued.
The organization noted that while they encourage the appreciation of Naga traditional clothing, they stressed that such appreciation should be rooted in “respect and understanding.” They expressed concern that using the garments for costumes, superficial displays, or for profit-driven purposes “disrespects the communities they belong to” and “demeans the value it holds and the authenticity of our traditions.”
The AWO specifically criticized the Instagram reel, which featured various tribal attires in a manner they deemed to be “derisive in nature,” saying it “fails to honor their true significance” and is not a celebration of Naga culture.
In their statement, the AWO strongly urged the creator of the reel to “remove the content, and also apologize in the public domain for portraying our traditional attires in an improper manner without understanding the importance, dignity, and value of our cultural heritage.” They also called for a deeper understanding of the traditional attire before displaying it publicly.
The statement was signed by Neithono R. Sothu, President of AWO, and Atono Kense, General Secretary of AWO.
