From The Old Is Born The New
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Nagaland’s unique wood carving technique at E’thaan design studio, Defence colony.
The people of Nagaland are god gifted with the skills of multi crafts. Carving can be seen commonly at every entrance gate. Every village main entrance has a beautiful wooden carving. Carving of human figures, animals like elephant etc, mithun head, horn bill are the main and the famous carvings. All these carvings convey individual messages. The carving of mithun represents wealth, animal figures convey tuff physical strength. Human figures represent success in hunting. The tools used during the carving are made locally. Tools such as chisel, axle, duo etc is commonly used. Nagas are at the same are music lovers and prepare their own instruments carved out of wood. Xylophones, drums and bamboo flutes are the instrument and display excellent music and skill of carving.
'E’thaan’ is a Lotha Naga Indian word for something`new’. E’thaan stands for creative contemporary Indian design rooted in traditional skills but infused with a new spirit. Indian design like the word ‘Indian’ stands for many things. It is not typical or singular but diverse in style and content as the many peoples and cultures it represents. Ritu Varuni, owner and principal designer of E’thaan studio is a free spirit with diverse interests and a deep passion for Indian craft. Together with Bharati Chadha she started E’thaan in 2004 as a culmination of many years of working with Indian craft. Ritu’s work in interiors, architecture, furniture and product design is a creative exploration of traditional Indian craft skills. “We work with the many exciting and varied Indian craft traditions from Nagaland to Kashmir and seek to create an Indian design identity that we can call our own. A path that leads away from the typical abstract style of the steel and glass western contemporary. A path that belongs to today and still retains the quality of warmth that comes from the embers of an old fire”, says the designer.
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E’thaan focuses on the use, research and development of bamboo as a material for craft and architecture has been the focus of the owner’s work in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland since 1991. Representing India, she presented a paper titled `Bamboo craft development : A tool for the development and self sufficiency of the tribal rural communities of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, India at an International event.
Re-vamp your home with these authentic wooden pieces from E’thaan studio. These wooden crafts can be used for decoration purpose and a wooden vase in your home can bring an ethnic touch to it.
Price : Rs 3000 onwards
Where to buy: E’thaan design studio
Located : D-71 Defence Colony (Lower Ground Floor), New Delhi
Nearest metro station : Moolchand
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Contributed By : Jasleen Kaur
