Bideno R Ezung
Assistant Professor, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama, Department of History

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Textiles, Tattoos, and Tradition: Cultural Expressions in Naga Society Bideno R Ezung
Journal of International Islamic Law, Human Right and Public Policy Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): June
Publisher : PT. Radja Intercontinental Publishing

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Abstract

The cultural heritage of the Naga communities of Northeast India represents a rich tapestry of indigenous traditions, artistic practices, and social identities. Among the most significant expressions of Naga culture are textiles, tattoos, and customary traditions, each of which functions as a marker of identity, status, memory, and community belonging. This article examines how these cultural forms have historically shaped social life among various Naga tribes and how they continue to evolve in the context of colonial influence, Christianity, modernization, and globalization. Traditional textiles communicate social hierarchy, clan affiliation, and aesthetic values through distinctive motifs and weaving techniques. Similarly, tattooing practices, particularly among tribes such as the Konyak Nagas, served as symbols of bravery, achievement, and ritual identity. Alongside these artistic forms, indigenous traditions such as festivals, oral narratives, and communal institutions have played an essential role in preserving collective memory and cultural continuity. The article argues that textiles, tattoos, and traditions are not merely decorative or symbolic practices but living archives of Naga history and identity. Despite social transformation and external influences, these cultural expressions continue to remain central to contemporary discussions of indigenous heritage and cultural preservation in Northeast India.
The “Excluded Area” Policy in the Naga Hills: Colonial Administration and Its Impact on Naga Society Bideno R Ezung
Journal of International Islamic Law, Human Right and Public Policy Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): June
Publisher : PT. Radja Intercontinental Publishing

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Abstract

The “Excluded Area” policy introduced by the British colonial government in India played a major role in shaping the political, social, and cultural development of the Naga Hills. Implemented under the Government of India Act 1935, the policy separated certain tribal regions from direct provincial administration. The British justified this decision by claiming that tribal societies required protection from outside influence and exploitation. However, the policy also helped the colonial government maintain strategic control over frontier regions while limiting political participation by local communities. In the Naga Hills, the Excluded Area system preserved many traditional customs and institutions but also isolated the region from mainstream political developments in British India. This article examines the origins, objectives, implementation, and long-term impact of the Excluded Area policy in the Naga Hills and explains how it contributed to the rise of Naga political consciousness and identity.