Nagaland guv releases postal cover on Naga back basket to revive dying art

DIMAPUR: Nagaland governor La Ganesan released a special postal cover on the Naga back basket at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima on Thursday.

Releasing the cover, Ganesan said a Naga back basket holds a place of pride and is of great relevance in the Naga society.

"It is not just used to carry water, firewood, rice or vegetables by the Naga women but also often gifted to a girl by her parents or beloved as a token of love and affection," he explained.

Stating that more often than not a woman's handiwork and contributions to a family go unappreciated, he said the Naga back basket is usually associated with a rural Naga woman, which epitomises her handiwork, sense of responsibility and affection.

The governor appreciated the postal department for releasing this special cover, saying it is a tribute to all Naga mothers and women.

Ganesan recalled how in the past, people made their own baskets which were usually woven out of cane or bamboo and kept in most Naga homes for domestic use. He said baskets were also made by the menfolk during their leisure after they return home from the field.