This northeastern Indian state is a shopper's paradise

"The Indigenous histories of the mountainous Indian state of Nagaland, located in the north and bordering Myanmar, are well reflected in the trinkets and treats intrepid travellers return home with. These lands have witnessed ancient ceremonies, modern conflict and myriad peoples come and go, each leaving their impressions. Textile labels create one-of-a-kind pieces just as suited to gallery spaces as plush chaise lounges; weavers craft intricate mekhalas (draped dresses) and shawls using traditional methods; dazzling contemporary jewellery utilises materials native to the land."

"Founded in 1993 by Jesmina Zeliang, Heirloom Naga is among the state's best-known textile labels, working directly with local tribeswomen to produce handloomed fabrics from natural fibres. The brand's range has expanded over the years from linens and cushions to bags, trays, display bowls, fans and, most recently, wall tapestries for galleries. In 2023, the Heirloom Naga Centre opened in Dimapur with a shop, studio, café and guesthouse, which created a physical space for folk to collaborate."

Nagaland's Indigenous histories appear in trinkets, textiles and jewellery produced across the state. Weavers create intricate mekhalas and shawls using traditional methods and natural fibres. Heirloom Naga, founded in 1993 by Jesmina Zeliang, works with local tribeswomen to produce handloomed fabrics, expanding into homewares and wall tapestries and opening a Dimapur centre with a shop, studio, café and guesthouse in 2023. Otsü Clothing Co upcycles Western garments with Naga textiles, transforming shirts and skirts with woven details. Runway Nagaland began in 2011, producing jewellery from locally made beads, shells and natural materials and expanding into woven bamboo bags.

Read at CN Traveller