Seweda, a book on ancestral tradition in Tenyidie released

October 3, 2023 15 Views No Comment

‘To be ‘culture proud’ is the most precious legacy grandmother left us with’

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 3

Epitomising Khrieü Sekhose (1931-2014)’s great passion and concern for the Naga traditional fabrics, Seweda, which means a book on ancestral practices/tradition in Tenyidie was formally released on October 1, at De Oriental, Kohima. The book was launched with a dedicatory prayer by Rev Viwelie Khezie, Khedi Baptist Church during a private family gathering.

Seweda was first published in 1982 by Ura Academy and while it had been out of circulation for several years, the revised hardcover edition is being published by PenThrill as its 80th publication.

In the words of the author’s granddaughter, Avinuo Kire, Khrieü Sekhose “was a woman quite ahead of her times. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, she was a Writer, Teacher, Cultural Thinker/Practitioner and Pianist.” It may be noted here that she was the first pianist from Kohima village.

“However, it is not her worldly accomplishments, which I am unreservedly proud of, but how she was as a grandmother- God fearing, hands on, loving and doting, which made Atsa (grandmother) so very dear to me and all her grandchildren,” Kire expressed.

“I think a most precious legacy Atsa left us is instilling a strong sense of identity- to be ‘culture proud’,” she went on to say even while articulating that Seweda is a precious manifestation of her legacy.

Avinuo Kire further recalled that, “as children, I remember how Atsa would often urge and encourage us, her grandchildren especially, to take pride in our traditional attires. She would never miss an opportunity to make us appreciate how our traditional fabrics were an important form of identity expression.”

“Without any bias, I think I can confidently say that this book is a must have for anyone who wishes to learn about traditional Naga weaving. Although in Tenyidie, there are plentiful illustrations to interest a nonTenyidie reader as well,” she added.

In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha said it was an honour for PenThrill to publish the work of an extraordinary woman, who was quite obviously ahead of her times. “The work of late Khrieü Sekhose speaks volume of her love and passion for our Naga traditional attires” she said while noting that the treasure and the legacy she has left behind must be preserved and passed on.

She described the author as a ‘true Tenyimia woman’ which is evident from the way the author loved, honoured and preserved our traditional attires. “Even though she is no more with us, she will be remembered for the legacy she has left behind”, she said while exuding hope that every reader would gain more wisdom and insights into the art of weaving our traditional attires.

Earlier, Kezhalenuo Kesiezie, the eldest amongst Khrieü Sekhose’s children, spoke on behalf of the family and also highlighted about the author and her book, Seweda.