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Wood
Carving
The
best wood-carvings are to be seen on the village gate, in the Morung, and in
front of the house of a rich man or warrior. The working instruments for
wood carving are simple. They include Dao, chisel, axe and adze. The
figures generally carved are mithun head, hornbill, human figure, elephant,
tiger etc. These figures have their
usual symbolic meaning. The mithun head represents wealth; the hornbill,
valour; the human figure, success in head-hunting; while elephant and tiger
denotes physical prowess. In Konyak area, there are some carvings which have
the Khajuraho touch about them; there are exotic motifs showing a dancing
couple in an amorous posture. The Konyaks are in fact, the best
wood-carvers among the Nagas. The log-drums or xylophones which are
laboriously hollowed out of the trunk of a big tree are excellent specimens
of the Naga's skill in wood-work. The drum has generally a carved prow
showing mithun, buffalo or tiger's head. In recent years, with the
suppression of head-hunting and the spread of Christianity, the art of
wood-carving has suffered.
Bamboo
Work
The
forests in Nagaland are rich in Bamboo and cane. Naturally therefore, Nagas
are expert basket makers. The craft is restricted to men. Baskets are
usually of two
kinds, one to be kept in the house for storage purposes and the other to be
carried on the back for day-to day use. The Ao (tribe's) basket is conical
in shape, while the Angami basket is cylindrical with the mouth
slightly wider than the base. Generally all Nagas make their own baskets and
there are no professionals.
Apart
from the baskets, the Nagas also make mats and shields with
bamboo. The Changs make attractive chungas or drinking cups. Necklaces,
armlets and leggings are made of cane.
Pottery
Pottery
is not very
popular and is practiced in very few villages. There is no revolving wheel;
the Nagas make their pots by the use of hands only. The craft is restricted
to women and the turnover is not large.
 Blacksmithy
Blacksmithy,
though a comparatively recent craft, is more popular. The smiths
produce the normal requirements of villagers like the Dao, axe, sickle, jewellery,
knives, spear points and butts etc. The Konyaks are the best blacksmiths.
They make muzzle-loading guns as well. The Lothas regard this trade
unlucky and believe that no blacksmith lives long after he stops the
work.
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