Aienla

This piece of craft is woven by Aienla, from the Ao tribe of Yaongyimsen village in Mokokchung district, carrying forward a weaving tradition that runs deep in her family. She is a third-generation weaver who began her journey at the age of 30, learning patiently from her mother. Though she started later in life, weaving soon became her way of connecting to her roots and keeping alive the legacy of the women before her. Her craft is centred around the loin loom weaving technique, one of the oldest and most traditional weaving methods in Nagaland. The loom is simple and portable—one end tied to a post, the other strapped around the weaver’s waist. By adjusting her body’s position, Aienla controls the tension of the threads, guiding the shuttle back and forth while beating the weft tightly into place with a bamboo sword. The process demands rhythm, patience, and skill, as the weaver herself becomes part of the loom. This intimate method allows her to create fabrics with unique patterns and motifs, each carrying the imprint of her identity and heritage. She often works in red and white, colours deeply significant in Naga tradition. Red stands for courage, strength, and vitality, while white represents purity, peace, and harmony. These colours, when woven together, embody the balance of strength and serenity that defines her community. Among the motifs she uses, the triangle holds special meaning in the Ao culture. It symbolises the mountains of Nagaland—steadfast, resilient, and protective—while also reflecting the stability and unity of the community. Each fabric is finished with handmade tassels, adding a personal and decorative touch. Through her weaving, Aienla creates more than cloth—she weaves memory, heritage, and the living spirit of her people. Every piece she makes is both a continuation of tradition and a bridge to the future, carrying forward the rhythm of Ao culture into new generations.