Nagaland is a different state in India. It has everything unique, from their culture, traditions, and heritage, to their way of life. As a result, the traditional dress of Nagaland is exceptional, making the Naga people stand out in the crowd. Their outfits are colourful and vibrant.
One of the important items for the people of Nagaland is a shawl. These beautiful shawls are separately designed individually for every tribe. The unique patterns and design make it easy to identify a specific tribe.
Here we go,
Traditional Dress of Nagaland for Men
The traditional dress of Nagaland for men represents their heritage and culture. These dresses are the representation of their identity, rank and traditions too.
1. Alungstu
It is known as a symbol of good omen and success. Alungstu is worn only by the wealthy people of Nagaland, reflecting their social status. This beautiful outfit has a striking yellow colour with intricate floral patterns. These designs are made only by the skilled craftsmen of the tribe.
2. Kilt
A Kilt is the traditional dress of Nagaland for men worn on special occasions. It is black in colour and considered a working outfit. Kilt has cowrie shells used for decoration. Cowries are rubbed by stone so that they stick to the kilt. The Kilt is designed by the person wearing it, which is a big responsibility. When the cowries are sewn on the Kilt it looks nice symbolising the unity throughout Nagaland. These cowries signify success, love, and unity, which adds a positive aura.
3. Shawl
A shawl is a piece of cloth worn as an accessory with many Nagaland outfits. These are available in various colours, designs, and patterns. They are woven in detail with motifs, which represents their tribe. It represents an individual’s personality, status, and culture. These shawls, Killt, and Alungstu tell us a lot about the values and history of Nagaland people.
Traditional Dress of Nagaland For Women
To understand the culture of Nagaland and different tribes residing there, you should look how their women lives and dress. Here are the different pieces of clothes, that, when combined, form the traditional dress of Nagaland for women. Here are they:
1. Azu Jangup Su
It is a skirt worn by the women of Nagaland. This beautiful skirt has red and yellow stripes. It is usually worn during festivities and special occasions. The skirt looks vibrant with its colour combination, which signifies celebration and cultural pride.
2. Mechala
It is a very fine cloth and an important part of Nagaland’s women’s dress. They wear this along with a skirt and shawl which complements the overall dress. The women look beautiful and elegant wearing this dress. It is also used as a canvas for creative and artistic purposes.
3. Neikhro
It is a beautiful dress made of vibrant colours and different patterns. This dress is similar to a petticoat worn by women all over India. It is also used to represent the tribe’s identity and the true connection between the person’s life choices, personality, and beliefs.
4. Moyer Tusk
Moyer Tusk is made using a dark blue cloth. This piece of cloth looks simple, but carries a touch of elegance with zigzag-patterns band at the edge. The Moyer Tusk is of great importance within Nagaland’s culture, tradition and heritage.
The traditional dresses of Nagaland for women are a symbol of cultural unity and significance. Every dress carries its own story and reflects a connection with the individual.
Traditional Dress of Nagaland for Brides
Nagaland follows a colourful attire for their brides as they over-code their tribe culture. This outfit has colourful shawls, mekhela (a knee-length skirt worn wrapped around the body) and ornaments that are made of beads, stones, and shells. The outfit displays strong prints and bright colours representing tribal identity as well as the heritage of the early years.
Traditional Dress of Nagaland for Groom
Nagaland grooms wear a traditional outfit that represents strength and pride. It usually carries, a sleeveless red or black shawl with detailed tribal patterns. Typically they wear a headgear made of feathers, beads and tusks., showcasing courage. They wear armlets on their arms and necklaces for a regal and culturally rich look.
Jewellery of Nagaland
Jewellery of Nagaland is equally important to the traditional attires Jewellery in Nagaland. — Every piece of jewellery has its cultural value and signifies tradition and heritage that are transmitted to the next generation. The main jewellery worn by Naga people includes:
Headgear: Some tribes prefer to wear a headpiece or headgear made of metal, feathers and beads, symbolising their identity.
Earrings: These are passed on from one generation to the next. They are found in different sizes, from small studs to larger hoops with intricate designs. They made earrings using metals, beads, and shells.
Necklaces: These jewellery pieces have intricate beadwork in different shapes and colours. Everything from color to pattern, has a particular meaning. These can indicate life, fertility, and prosperity. These neckpieces are worn by both men and women.
Pendants: These are believed to be a blessing or a protection charm against danger. These are worn in different shapes such as animals, birds or other symbols representing beliefs and connections to nature.
Bracelets: These are commonly seen on women of naga. They wear it in multiple layers. Bracelets are made of beads, shells, and animal bones. In layers, they look charming.
Bangles: Women wear several bangles depending on their age, tribe, and marital status. These bangles are made from bamboo or metals.
Rings: Rings indicate the social status, marital status or personality of a person. All the rings have a unique look based on design. Rings are made using metal and animal bones.
Know More about Traditional Dress of Uttar Pradesh Here.
Conclusion
The traditional dress of Nagaland not only represents different tribes but deep connection with their cultural roots and traditions, passed down from one generation to the next. From shawls to bead necklaces, every part of their traditional dress carries the centuries-old story of their tribe and individuality. If you’re planning to visit Nagaland don’t forget to enjoy trying all the exquisite pieces of clothing and jewellery.
