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In a world chasing convenience and speed, Jesmina Zeliang is a cultural entrepreneur championing the quiet power of tradition--reviving Nagaland's textile legacy with modern sensibility, while creating livelihoods that honour heritage, home, and hand.
T+L India: You’ve brought a modern twist to traditional Naga textiles. How do you balance innovation with authenticity, and why is it important for indigenous crafts?
Jesmina Zeliang: Balancing innovation with authenticity is a delicate process. For me, it’s about respecting the ancient techniques and the cultural context in which they were born, while also acknowledging that we must adapt to changing times and trends. To achieve this balance, I work closely with the women weavers, learning from their expertise and ensuring we stay true to the traditional techniques at the core of Naga textiles, while also exploring various design expressions in the weaving.
This balance is crucial for the future of indigenous crafts because it appeals to a wider audience while also allowing us to preserve our cultural heritage. By finding this balance, we can ensure that indigenous crafts continue to thrive.
T+L India: How does craft preserve cultural heritage in a globalised world?
Jesmina Zeliang: In my opinion, craft plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, especially in the face of globalisation. Craft is often a tangible representation of a community’s history, values, and traditions. In the case of Naga textiles the intricate patterns, colours, and motifs are not just woven textiles; our weavers weave their identities into the cloth. As the world becomes more globalised, there is a risk of cultural homogenisation, where local traditions and practices are lost in the face of dominant global trends. Craft can serve as a powerful counterbalance to this, allowing communities to preserve their unique cultural identities and share them with the world. By supporting and promoting local crafts, we can help ensure that cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
